Record entries expected as Newry Show returns on 27 June

The 156th Newry Show takes place on Saturday 27 June on lands at 12 to 18 Derrywilliagan Road, Bessbrook, with sheep entries already exceeding all previous records. First held in 1869, the show has run annually ever since and is traditionally held on the last Saturday of June.

Speaking about this year's show Newry Show Society chairman Brian Lockhart said the site is in excellent condition ahead of the event.

"The site is currently in tremendous condition given the recent spell of dry weather and all the roads in the vicinity of the location have been recently repaired."

He also flagged strong interest from younger exhibitors, saying: "We are also looking forward to a tremendous entry of young handlers. It is very encouraging that so many young people want to show cattle and sheep at events like Newry Show."

Launch evening

The Society recently held its official launch and sponsors' evening, with guest speaker Roberta Simmons, newly appointed Membership and Development Manager with the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster and a former President of the organisation.

Simmons said the need for young people to play an active role in agriculture and rural society has never been greater.

"Young people today are facing major challenges. These include the changes taking place within farming and food and the pressures associated with modern life. But there is also so much positivity to be found in the ways by which we can all move forward."

She said the organisation remains as relevant as ever since its founding in 1929.

"YFCU was established to help create better farmers, better countrymen and better citizens. And while times may have changed since 1929, these values still remain incredibly relevant today."

YFCU, Northern Ireland's largest youth organisation with 3,600 members, will have a significant presence at Newry Show 2026.

Brian Lockhart paid tribute to all those who have helped bring the show together. "Your generosity helps us celebrate our farming heritage, which is deeply rooted within the local community of Newry and Mourne. Our aim is to showcase the hard work of our farmers and to educate the next generation of young people, which will help to deliver a sustainable future for farming and food."

Council support and DAERA funding gap

Brian Lockhart welcomed backing from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council while highlighting an ongoing funding gap from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

"I would like to commend Newry Mourne and Down District Council in regard to the tremendous support it will be delivering for our upcoming event."

However, he said the Northern Ireland Shows Association has repeatedly made the case to farm minister Andrew Muir for core departmental support, so far without success.

"All these events represent a tremendous shop window for farming and food in Northern Ireland. This issue has been fully verified by an independent report commissioned by the shows association. But, as yet, the minister and his department colleagues have not agreed to make available any level of core support for the local farming shows that are held throughout the summer months."

Bluetongue vaccination

Newry Show Society has confirmed that Bluetongue vaccination will not be a mandatory requirement for entry at the 2026 show, following guidance from Department of Agriculture veterinary staff that it would not be required at one-day events. This differs from Balmoral Show, where vaccination is a condition of entry due to animals being kept on site for a number of days. There are indications that other local shows in Northern Ireland this summer will take a similar approach to Newry.

Charity partner

Newry Show Society has confirmed Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland as its chosen charity for 2026. Founded in 2023, the organisation supports patients and families affected by the condition and works closely with respiratory consultants and specialist nurses across all five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.