The wait for the Balmoral Show is almost over.
Everyone's favourite agricultural show is back and takes place this year from Wednesday, May 10 to Saturday, May 13 2023.
Despite rain on the forecast for opening day, that will not dampen the spirits of the vendors, farmers and eventgoers gearing up for another big year of celebrations.
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Here is everything else you need to know when attending the 2023 Balmoral Show:
Where is the Balmoral Show?
The location of the show is Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RD.
It's two miles from Sprucefield at Junction 7, 10 minutes from Belfast and 84 minutes from Dublin.
What are the Balmoral Show opening hours?
- Wednesday: 9:30am - 6:00pm
- Thursday: 9:30am - 8:00pm
- Friday: 9:30am - 7:00pm
- Saturday: 9:30am - 6:00pm
A strict no-dogs policy is in place apart from assistance dogs.
How do I get tickets to the Balmoral Show?
Tickets should be purchased online pre-Show as this will avoid queues on admission. Online advance tickets are sold at a discounted rate.
All tickets are print at home e-tickets. Remember to print and bring your tickets or download them to a smartphone for verification on arrival.
Once purchased, tickets cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned.
To buy tickets, see here
How much are tickets?
Tickets cost £23.50 per adult and £3.00 for children aged 5-11.
Tickets for over 65s are £19. Tickets are £17 for youths aged 12-18.
Children under 5 years go free.
To purchase group tickets of 20 + people, please contact Ashleigh at Ashleigh@ruas.org.uk or call 028 90 686 183
How do I get to the Balmoral Show?
The Balmoral showgrounds are located just outside Lisburn. The nearest train station is Lisburn Train station (less 15mins away).
View the public road map HERE.
Here's how to get to the show by car:
From West - Take the M1 to junction 8 and follow the directional signage.
From North West - Take the M1 to junction 8 and follow the directional signage.
From Lisburn - Take the Moira Road out of Lisburn and follow directional signage.
From Belfast - Travel South on the M1, coming off at Sprucefield and follow directional signage to Balmoral Park.
From North East - Travel South on the M1, coming off at Sprucefield and follow directional signage to Balmoral Park.
From South - Travel up the A1 dual carriageway and follow directional signage.
There is a taxi rank outside the Main Show entrance.
Balmoral Show shuttle bus
A free shuttle bus service will operate from Lisburn Train Station - operating approximately every 5 - 10 minutes at peak times and approximately 15 - 20 minutes off peak.
This shuttle services will operate between 09:00 and 18:20 except Thursday and Friday when the shuttle will operate from Eikon Exhibition Centre to Lisburn Train Station until 20:20 (Thursday) and 19:20 (Friday). The estimated journey time approximately 20 - 30 minutes.
- Wednesday 10th May- show closing time 18:00, last shuttle: 18:20
- Thursday 11th May- show closing time 20:00, last shuttle 20:20
- Friday 12th May- show closing time 19:00, last shuttle 19:20
- Saturday 13th May- show closing time 18:00, last shuttle 18:20
Can I park at the show?
Car parking is £10 per car. Please note, car parking can be paid by cash only.
As with any large scale event, there will be queues arriving and leaving Balmoral Park. Please make sure to make provisions for any delays.
During Show days, show-goers are encouraged to make use of public transport and free shuttle bus service.
Balmoral Show timetable
To know what is happening and the show and times, see here.
You can download a copy of the showground map here.
Balmoral Show traffic and travel information
Police urge those attending the Balmoral Show to leave extra time for their journey for what’s set to be a busy few days!
Lisburn and Castlereagh PSNI District Commander Superintendent Kelly Moore said: “We are delighted to see the return of the much-loved Balmoral Show here in Lisburn tomorrow.
“As it is every year, the event is an excellent day out for everyone and I want those attending to enjoy a positive experience.
“Please help us to help you by being patient and by driving and parking responsibly, with consideration given to other road users and pedestrians.
“Please follow the guidance of police officers and parking marshals on the ground, along with the direction of signage in place and only park in the designated locations provided.
“Public safety is of paramount importance to us, so please do not ignore parking restrictions.
“Finally, I hope you enjoy your time at the show and be sure to drop by the Safer Communities marquee to meet our PSNI representatives in attendance.”
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