If you are looking for a day filled with all things country, there will be a fantastic display of award-winning majestic horses, clean cattle, woolly sheep, pink pigs and bleating goats to enjoy at this year’s Randox Antrim Show on Saturday 28 July at the picturesque Shane’s Castle.

Sponsors, stewards, members, supporters and local YFC members recently gathered to find out what’s new as entries were opened for this year’s event.

Donations

During the evening, the Antrim Agricultural Society donated £1,000 to the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association of Northern Ireland, in memory of the late George Robson Senior, past Patron of the Society.

Also, in memory of their father, George and Suzanne Robson presented the George Robson Memorial Cup to the Society.  The cup will be presented to the Show’s Champion Dorset.

James Crawford also presented a trophy this year; a shield for Gardener of the Year.

The sponsor’s reception was kindly supported by the Council and catered for by Kells & Connor and Lylehill YFCs.

New Bursary Recipient

Naomi McCullen from Straid YFC was revealed as being the lucky recipient of the inaugural Randox Antrim Show YFC bursary. Her role will see her travel to several shows across the country to compile a presentation of ideas to develop the show, helping ensure it continues to grow and appeal to both the rural and urban audience.

Finals and New Classes

Working Hunter Classes for ponies and horses make a welcome new addition to Antrim’s show Schedule this year.  Antrim is also a qualifier for the Bluegrass/NISA Clydesdale Championship 2018.  This is in addition to normal classes and the show-jumping section with a total prize fund of £2,250.

In the sheep section, Antrim will be hosting the Border Leicester’s National Show, and classes for the new breed, Suffolk Cheviot, have been added. Dutch Texel will also be exhibited for the first time in Northern Ireland under the ‘Any other breed’ classes.

In the cattle section, Antrim will host the Final of the Bank of Ireland/NISA Pedigree Junior Bull Championship and be a qualifier for the Linden Foods/NISA Pedigree Beef Heifer Championships.

For the fifth year, Antrim will host the NI Limousin Championships which will also incorporate the Young Limousin Breeders Anglo Irish Stock Judging Competition.

Home Industries has a new class this year – the Women’s Institute Team Competition – and the Show is a qualifier for the final of the County Antrim Show’s Chocolate Cake of the Year competition.

The exhilarating, crowd pleasing NI Sheep Shearers Association’s shearing competition once again returns. Its grandstand has the added bonus of giving you a chance for a rest while you watch the against-the-clock spectacle.

Speaking at the launch of Randox Antrim Show, Chairman Fred Duncan said;

“This year’s event will once again take place in Shanes Castle on Saturday 28^th July thanks to the hard work of our directors, members and volunteers but also thanks to the much-needed support of many sponsors big and small, new and returning.  I’d like to give a special mention to Randox who’ve returned for a second year as our title sponsor; the Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael for enabling our launch, and Lord O’Neill for access to the Castle’s beautiful grounds, which helps add to the family day out we annually put on for the benefit of those from both the rural and urban communities to enjoy.”

Representing the show’s title sponsor at the launch, Marc Coppez, Randox Health Business Development Manager, commented;

“Following a successful first year as sponsor of the Randox Antrim Show in 2017, we are delighted to be once again supporting one of Antrim and Newtownabbey’s most popular events. As a locally-headquartered company we’re very committed to our roots, and relish the opportunity to recognise the backing we have received over the years whilst simultaneously supporting the agricultural community. We are very much looking forward to the event in July, and to sharing our message with event attendees – that with the help of Randox Health, you can extend your life, to live healthier for longer.”

Some Family Fun Highlights

From creative crafts to calorific cakes, there will be lots of non-farm animal activities that will have wide appeal to attract spectators from both farming and non-farming communities.

New for 2018 is a Youth Busking Competition where 12-17 year olds who reside in the Council area, can busk during the afternoon with the chance of winning £250 for themselves and £100 for their school or youth group.  Email the Show Secretary before 20^th July for details on how to register.

Northern Ireland’s very own celebrity chef Paula McIntyre returns with cookery demonstrations in the Festival of Food marquee as does last year’s successful introduction of dog agility displays, a petting zoo for kids and the ‘King & Queen of the Castle’ jiving competition.

The YFC County Games Competitions Day will also be held at Antrim with Tug-of-war, Tractor Handling, Gator Challenge and Slippery Football just to mention a few of the games.

Other popular spectacles on the day include the Children’s Pet Show and the varied displays of floral art, photography, jams, wine, eggs, baking, fruit, vegetables, handicraft, horticulture, baking, and arts and crafts projects from Primary Schools and Young Farmers’ Clubs.  There will also a range of side shows and attractions to keep kids of all ages amused, and many trade stands and stalls to browse.

Entries Open

A copy of the Show Schedule is available from the Show Secretary or can be downloaded from www.randoxantrimshow.com

 Times and Prices

The action takes place on Saturday 28th July from 9am to 5pm. Admission to Randox Antrim Show is £10 per person and children under 16 years of age go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is also free.

For further information, contact Show Secretary, Patricia Pedlow by e-mailing secretary@antrimshow.com