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This year’s Newry Agricultural Show takes place this Saturday, 24 June on lands at 12-18 Derrywilligan Road, Bessbrook, Newry.
The event returns after a four-year break. The last Newry Show was held in 2019. The Covid restrictions prevented its hosting in 2020 and 2021 while the event did not take place last year for financial reasons.
However, it’s all systems go for 2023.
A tremendous range of attractions has been organised for the big day. These include competition classes for ponies, cattle, sheep, goats and pig. Horticulture will also be a major theme of Newry Show 2023.
A food village will feature prominently as will activities for young farmers and children.
Old favourites including the Home Industries’ marquee and the renowned dog show will make a welcome return to Newry Show 2023.
Craft stalls, commercial trade stands, music of all types, vintage machinery and the always popular Silverstream sheep dogs will all feature at Newry Show. It all adds up to a tremendous day-out for people of all ages.
A tremendous level of excitement has been generated regarding the return of Newry Show 2023.
This year’s event will be supported by a number of businesses with a strong involvement in green and alternative energy.
These include: Gravis Farm, Assured Energy, Wilson’s Country, Edenmore Farm, AgriKomp and Rosevale Farm
Newry Show chairman Brian Lockhart says it makes absolute sense for the show to have such a strong, energy-related theme.
He added:
“Agriculture has always been involved in the energy business. Back in the day, the South Down:South Armagh area had a very strong tradition of flax growing. And, in fact, many of the old retting dams remain as features on farms today.
“The flax was used to produce linen, which as exported around the world. But all of this was only made possible with the use of horses. And, of course, it was farmers, who were also growing the corn to feed these animals.”
According to Lockhart the alternative energy debate has simple moved on the next stage of its evolution.
“We have simply replaced horse power with bio gas and green electricity. But farmers are still growing the crops required to make all of this work.”
He continued:
“It wasn’t possible to hold a show during the Covid lockdown. And society members did not feel that running an event last year was a feasible option, very much for financial reasons.
“However, it’s all systems go for 2023. All the show various schedules are at an advanced stage of preparation.
“There will be a great turnout of livestock on the day, not to mention all the other fun events have now been scheduled.
“I would also like to reference the tremendous support received from Newry and Mourne District Council in helping to make this year’s event a reality.”
Newry Show celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. The year prior to that, the event hosted a very successful visit by members of the Aberdeen Angus World Congress.
Brian Lockhart continued:
“There has always been a very special farming and food heritage associated with the Newry area.
“All of this will be reflected, once again, courtesy of our 2023 event.
“The interest of the general public in how farmers go about their business and how their food is produced has never been greater.”
