Local food and drink producers offered Balmoral Show 2026 showcase opportunity

Staff from The Harbourview Hotel, Carnlough, who exhibited on the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council stand at the Balmoral Show 2025.

Food and drink producers and visitor experience businesses across Mid and East Antrim are being offered the chance to showcase their products to tens of thousands of visitors at the Balmoral Show 2026.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has opened Expressions of Interest for local businesses to take part in the NI Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event, which returns to Balmoral Park from 13 to 16 May 2026.

More than 100,000 people from across the UK and Ireland are expected to attend the four-day show, which celebrates the agri-food sector and gives visitors the opportunity to meet producers and learn about the journey of food from field to fork.

The NI Food Pavilion is regarded as the focal point for all things food at the show, and the council is offering an affordable opportunity for selected Mid and East Antrim businesses to exhibit alongside some of the region’s best-known producers.

Participating businesses will benefit from direct access to a large consumer audience, the opportunity to engage with new customers and receive candid feedback, increased brand awareness and online following, as well as valuable networking with industry buyers and fellow producers.

The initiative is also aimed at highlighting the borough’s growing reputation for food, drink and visitor experiences, helping to attract new visitors long after the show has ended.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the Balmoral Show remains a cornerstone event for Northern Ireland’s food and farming sector.

“The Balmoral Show is one of the most important events in the Northern Ireland calendar.

“The NI Food Pavilion is an integral part of the show and a great way for Council to support our local businesses in showcasing their high quality, locally grown produce.

“We want our wonderful businesses in this sector to be at the very heart of Balmoral and highlight the very best of Mid and East Antrim.

“It is also the perfect chance to raise awareness of the Borough’s thriving food and drink experiences in the hope of attracting new visitors to our area.

“If you’re eligible, this is your chance to showcase your products and connect with new customers.”

Council officers say the opportunity is particularly valuable for small and growing producers looking to test products with new audiences, raise their profile, and build relationships within the wider agri-food industry.

Businesses interested in taking part can find full details and submit an Expression of Interest via the council website at:

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Balmoral2026

The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 12 noon on Friday, 23 January 2026.

Any queries regarding the opportunity can be directed to amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk