The Balmoral Show: A Celebration of Agriculture, Community & Tradition Each May, tens of thousands of visitors’ flock to the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn to experience something truly special — The Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event and one of the most anticipated highlights of the year.
From champion livestock and world-class show jumping to artisan food villages and family fun, the Balmoral Show is a vibrant celebration of farming life, local talent, and rural heritage. But behind the spectacle lies a proud tradition — and an extraordinary team of people who bring it all to life.
Where It All Began — and Where It’s Going
The Balmoral Show has been a fixture in Northern Ireland’s agri calendar for over a century, growing year after year in both size and spirit. In 2013, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) — organisers of the show since its inception — made the landmark decision to relocate from the historic King’s Hall site in Belfast to a new, purpose-built home just outside Lisburn. This 55-acre site offered the space, flexibility, and state-of-the-art facilities needed to take the event to the next level. With this move, RUAS not only secured a permanent home for the Balmoral Show but also created Northern Ireland’s largest events campus, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation for years to come.
RUAS Committee Chairs 2025/26
People Power
Behind every livestock ring, trade stand, and entertainment stage is a dedicated RUAS team, working tirelessly to plan and deliver the Show. But they don’t do it alone.
A network of committed RUAS committee members and an incredible volunteer force, drawn mostly from the Society’s membership, are at the heart of the Balmoral Show’s success. Their knowledge, experience, and energy make it all possible — from stewarding competitions to supporting visitors and coordinating behind-the-scenes operations. It’s this shared passion and community spirit that gives the Show its unique heart.
RUAS Staffing Team
Hosted at Northern Ireland’s Largest Events Campus
The Eikon Exhibition Centre plays a central role in hosting and supporting the Balmoral Show. As Northern Ireland’s largest events campus, the venue is proudly owned and operated by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS). As proprietors of this state-of-the-art facility, RUAS has created a flexible and dynamic space capable of delivering not only Balmoral but a wide range of high-profile events throughout the year.
Whether it's a livestock competition, a tech demo, a celebrity chef showcase or an educational agri-tour, the Eikon Centre helps bring it all together under one roof — blending tradition with innovation.
More Than a Show
The Balmoral Show isn’t just an event — it’s an experience. It’s where city meets countryside, where generations reunite, and where businesses, schools, and families come together to celebrate what makes rural life in Northern Ireland so rich and vibrant.
So whether you come for the cattle, the cuisine, the craic, or the community — you’ll find something to love at Balmoral.
Tickets available to purchase online by clicking HERE
