All roads lead to Newry Show next weekend

Newry Show is all set for next Saturday 27 June, its 156th staging, with organisers promising the same family fun that made last year's event such a success. Newry Agricultural Show Society chairman Brian Lockhart said preparations were well under way for the show, which will once again be held at grounds at 12 to 18 Derrywilliagan Road, Bessbrook.

"This year's show takes place on Saturday, 27 June. And it really is all systems go at this stage. Our venue remains the same: grounds at 12 to 18 Derrywilliagan Road, Bessbrook," Lockhart said.

Newry Agricultural Society held its first show in 1869 and has provided an annual agricultural show ever since, traditionally on the last Saturday of June. "The records show that we will be celebrating our 156th show this year," Lockhart continued. "And the event continues to thrive. We took four years, as a consequence of the Covid pandemic. However, Newry Show returned in 2023 to a rapturous reception from people throughout our entire catchment area. The aim now is to build on all of this for the future."

Last year's show was widely regarded as one of the highlights of 2025, with many describing it as the perfect family day out. Lockhart said the sunshine, the condition of the site and the turnout of livestock, trade exhibitors and other attractions had combined to deliver a successful day for the thousands of people who attended.

Lockhart said Newry Show provided a platform for the farming and food sectors that are important to the economy and community of the south Down and Armagh catchment area. "People from all walks of life want to know about farming and the way they food consume is produced. Newry Show provides them with an almost touch: feel experience in this context," he said.

"Events like Newry Show take place in Northern Ireland throughout the summer months. It would be impossible to put a value on the amount of positive publicity for our farming and food sectors, which all these events manage to generate. All the local shows must be fully supported into the future. In a very meaningful way," he added.

"Our commitment is truly delivering the objectives set for farming and food in Northern Ireland by bodies, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, all the local councils and the myriad promotional bodies that have been established across the various food sectors."

On sponsorship, Lockhart explained: "We have received tremendous support from the local business community and many commercial organisations operations across the farming and food space. I would like to particularly thank the support received form Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in this regard. Our key sponsors this year include: Share Energy. It is so heartening to secure such a significant level of commercial support on an annual basis. On behalf of the entire membership of Newry Show Society, I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors for 2026."

"Running any scale of public event in 2026 brings with it a high degree of cost. And this is especially the case when working on green field site," he continued. Further sponsors are listed on the Newry Show website at newryagrishow.com.

Competitions on the day will cover cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, goats, pygmy goats, children, home industries, horticulture and the dog show. Entertainment will be provided by the Commons' Silver Band, DJ Sammy, the Dixieland Jazz Band and Two Step.

The official charity for Newry Show 2026 is Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland. "We are very proud to announce that the chosen charity for Newry Agricultural Show 2026 is Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland," Lockhart said. "This is a unique charity providing much needed support for those impacted by Pulmonary Fibrosis."

He concluded: "In the meantime, all our plans are fast falling into place for our big event on Saturday, June 27th. Everyone will be made more than welcome on the big day."