Orange Order returns to Balmoral Show with charity fundraiser

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland (GOLI) is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to its stand at this year’s Balmoral Show, with organisers promising a busy four days featuring community engagement, heritage displays, fundraising efforts and giveaways.

The Institution will once again have a presence at Northern Ireland’s largest agricultural showcase when the 157th Balmoral Show takes place from 13–16 May at the Eikon Exhibition Centre.

More than 120,000 visitors are expected to attend the major annual event across the four days, making it one of the biggest gatherings in the country’s calendar.

Staff from Schomberg House and the Museum of Orange Heritage will be manning the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland stand throughout the show, offering visitors the chance to browse displays, chat with representatives and learn more about the organisation’s heritage and outreach work.

One of the country’s biggest annual events

Visitors to the GOLI stand at Balmoral 2025

Outreach Manager David Scott said the Balmoral Show provides an important opportunity to connect with members of the public from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

He said:

“Balmoral Show is one of the largest annual events in the country maybe second only to the Twelfth!

“The four days provide us with a unique opportunity to engage with our visitors, many of whom are members or have family ties to a local Lodge.

“There is always a great atmosphere on the stand so why not call in for a chat and browse our shop displays.”

The Orange Order’s stand will be located at EK100 inside the Eikon Centre throughout the duration of the event.

Orange hats return in support of Dementia NI

Past Grand Master with the famous Orange Trilby

One of the most eye-catching features returning this year will be the Organisation’s well-known Orange hats, which are making a comeback as part of a charity fundraising initiative.

Mr Scott confirmed that all donations raised through the hats will go towards supporting the work of Dementia NI.

He added:

“Our famous Orange hats are making a comeback this year, with all donations going to support the work of Dementia NI – be sure to get one while stocks last!”

The charity partnership is expected to add another strong community element to the stand during the four-day event.

Tablet giveaway for newspaper sign-ups

Visitors attending the stand will also have the chance to enter a prize draw during the Balmoral Show.

Anyone who signs up to receive a free digital copy of the Orange Standard newspaper while at the event will automatically be entered into a draw to win a Samsung Tab A11 tablet.

Organisers say the initiative is aimed at encouraging more readers to access the publication digitally while also giving visitors an added incentive to stop by the stand.

Major showcase for Northern Ireland

The Balmoral Show remains one of Northern Ireland’s largest public events, bringing together agriculture, business, food, rural life, trade exhibitions and family entertainment each year.

For many organisations, charities and businesses, the show provides a major opportunity to reach large audiences from right across the province.

With visitor numbers again expected to exceed 120,000, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland is likely to see significant footfall at its stand across the four days of the event.

Visitors attending this year’s show can find the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland at stand EK100 inside the Eikon Centre from 13–16 May.