Balmoral Show: Friday proves to be family fun day, as good weather brings thousands for prize animals, pull-up contests and the best of Ulster produce

With the bad weather of the past couple of days largely lifting, though changeable conditions still occasionally flipped from blazing sunshine to slate skies and rain at the drop of a cowboy hat, it was definitely time for the kids to come out to play as the weekend brought huge crowds to the Eikon Exhibition Centre.

The event’s family-friendly attractions were very busy, bringing a funfair vibe to the serious business of prize-winning breeds and farm equipment supply firms showing their wares to their most valued customers.

Not that there wasn’t some levity from the companies, too; Bobcat MPM, for example, rigged up one of their forklifts to hold a pull-up contest.

It might not have exactly been standard gym equipment, but as sales manager Mark McCully told the News Letter, it had still proved a popular draw for farmers eager to test their strength – and win a cowboy hat into the bargain.

“We’ve had a steady queue, especially with the weather being so good today,” he said.

“It’s been a bit of fun; the owner came up with the idea and we thought we’d run with it. We just set a new record today – 23 pull-ups, before that it was 21 on Wednesday. The young fella this morning really put a shift in.

“I’ve tried it myself, but I don’t want to tell you how I did.”

It’s the first time Bobcat has been represented at the Balmoral Show for a few years, and the company’s return, with their bonus test of strength, marked a good chance for them to connect with their customers.

“This is out biggest shop window of the year,” said Mark. “We take part in quite a few shows, but the volume of traffic through the Balmoral Show is phenomenal.

“It’s really important for us to be here this year, and showcase the range of equipment and machinery we have. The broader range of equipment you bring the more interest your stand will get.”

Doing a roaring trade was the NI Food and Drink Pavilion, which showcased the best in local goods from more then 80 producers across Ulster.

A collaboration between the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society and Food NI, the heavy count of kids meant one of Northern Ireland’s biggest names – Tayto, who were manning a castle-shaped stand – had long queues for much of the day.

Smaller producers offering samples were still able to compete with the big boys, however; Co Antrim’s Get ’Er Brewed, a family-run operation that makes craft beer and cider as well as distilling gin, find their Balmoral Show stall invaluable.

Owner Deborah Mitchell has been coming to the event for a few years, and describes the show as “the perfect stepping stone for small businesses”.

She told the News Letter: “If you’re new in the industry and want people to sample your beer, try your gin, it’s the perfect place to come.

“Local businesses are going to support families and employ people in their area. Food NI are trying to promote businesses and support local, and I do feel they’re here to help.”

The brewery’s core range of beers was proving particularly popular with curious attendees, she added, though a European style had grabbed the most interest.

“Our Belgian triple beer has been going down extremely well,” she said, “It’s 8%, and it has been very popular – only samples, we sell for people to take away, not drink here.”

Of course, the Balmoral Show doesn’t just bring in agricultural families from across the province; the great and the good are known to show up too.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly put in an appearance. Encountering her at a display of tractors, the News Letter quizzed her on farmers’ fuel concerns, and how they are going to keep the very equipment she was standing in front of running,

Reinforcing that a UK-wide solution is needed, she said: “We have written to the Prime Minister to ask him for a meeting [and] I’ve taken part in a number of UK-wide conversations with ministers and key officials to raise a number of issues particular to Northern Ireland.”