Countdown begins to Balmoral Show 2026 in Lisburn as Ulster Bank confirms three-year sponsorship

Rhonda Geary, RUAS Group Operations Director and Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager, Ulster Bank, kick off the countdown to the 2026 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank. The pair are joined by county Antrim farmer, John Cross, who received the award for Champion Clydesdale at the 2025 event.

The countdown to Balmoral Show 2026 has officially begun, with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) announcing that Ulster Bank will return as principal sponsor under a new three-year partnership agreement.

The renewed deal will see the bank continue its close association with Northern Ireland’s largest annual agri-food event through to 2028.

The Balmoral Show 2026 will take place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn from 13–16 May 2026, promising four days of competitions, family entertainment, food showcases and livestock events that celebrate the strength of the local farming and rural community.

Ulster Bank extends long-standing partnership

The sponsorship agreement marks a significant milestone in the long-running relationship between RUAS and Ulster Bank, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to the agri-food sector and the wider rural economy.

RUAS Group Operations Director Rhonda Geary said:

“Preparations are already well under way for what we expect to be another outstanding Balmoral Show in 2026. As always, the show is a celebration of the very best of our local agri-food industry, and we are continually growing and evolving to ensure there is something new and exciting to see whether you are a longstanding visitor or coming to the show for the first time.

“We are delighted to welcome Ulster Bank back on board as our principal sponsor. Their long-term support has been integral to the success and growth of the event, and this new three-year agreement underlines the strength of that partnership.”

Rhonda Geary, RUAS Group Operations Director and Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager, Ulster Bank, kick off the countdown to the 2026 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank alongside the Champion Clydesdale horse from the 2025 event.

Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager at Ulster Bank, added:

“2026 will be Ulster Bank’s 18th year as principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show and we are proud to continue our longstanding association with the event. The agri-food sector is a significant contributor to the overall economy here and supporting farmers, growers and rural businesses, remains a key priority for us.

“Through our specialist agriculture teams and tailored financial solutions, we are committed to helping the industry meet challenges and plan for growth in what is an ever-evolving sector.

“The Balmoral Show provides a unique platform for us to connect with the farming community, celebrate success and highlight our network of expertise.

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with the RUAS and to play our part in making the 2026 show another memorable event.”

What to expect at Balmoral Show 2026

Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, the 2026 show will feature a wide-ranging programme designed to appeal to farming families, industry professionals and first-time visitors alike.

New attractions announced include:

• A stunt display show from Bolddog FMX in the main arena

• A revamped horticulture area

• A mix of family entertainment and livestock events

The show continues to provide a platform to showcase livestock, machinery, food production, horticulture and rural life, while also aiming to inspire the next generation of farmers and food producers.

Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event

The Balmoral Show remains Northern Ireland’s largest annual agri-food event, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year. Its scale and reputation make it a key date in the agricultural calendar, bringing together farmers, growers, rural businesses and families from across the region.

For many in the farming community, the show offers not only competition and commerce but also an opportunity to connect, celebrate achievements and strengthen industry ties.

Further announcements on competitions, attractions and ticket sales for Balmoral Show 2026 will be made in the coming months.

For more information, visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk