Scores of ploughmen to return to Balmoral

There will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained during the two day event.

As well as the main ploughing events there will also be sheep dog trials, Clydesdale Horse Show, machinery displays, bouncy castle and 4x4 dirt tracks.

There will also be a 5km track for mud runners to clamour around mucky obstacles as they tackle sheep pen chicanes and round bale obstacles.

Farm Madness, an agri themed mud run at the International Ploughing Championships, has helped stir up some excitement, for that event with teams rushing to sign up to raise money for Marie Curie.

It will be the second time the event organised by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association (NIPA) will take place at Balmoral Park.

Competitors will be from Northern Ireland and the Republic and will take part in the World Style Conventional and Reversible, Vintage, Horse, Horse Style and Appearance and Ladies.

William King MBE, NIPA President, thanked local landowners Dr Helen Fullerton, Kay Magill and Mr and Mrs T Thompson for allowing them to use their land.

“This gesture allows the event to grow and offers us the perfect location to showcase our competitors’ talents as they compete for various titles,” Mr King said.

Sponsors include Doc’s Catering, Donnelly Group and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC).

Under 12’s will go free and there will also be free car parking.

RUAS operations director, Rhonda Geary commented: “The Society staff are very pleased to be working with the NIPA team, building on the great work of last year and producing and promoting this excellent event that we are sure will attract more and more visitors each year.”

Wilson Holden, NIPA Chairman, concluded: “As well as fantastic ploughing competitions, we have worked hard to bring the public an exciting programme of events over the two days.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages and with children under 12 going free, our annual event will be a great day out for all the family”.

To keep up to date with the 72nd International Ploughing Championships check out their website, www.niploughing.com or Facebook: Northern Ireland Ploughing Association.

Trade stand enquires should be made by contact ing David Laidlaw on [email protected].