It was a celebration of all things food, farming and agriculture at this year’s Lurgan Show, as thousands of people from far and wide descended upon Lurgan Park on Saturday past.
A firm fixture in the agriculture show season, the popular event featured the great and good of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon’s food and drink producers, farmers, and agri-businesses, also known as the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland.
As the crowds revelled in the sunshine and blue skies, the Food Heartland stand – brimming with a delicious array of local homegrown produce – offered a tasty pitstop for many.
Supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the stand showcased everything from award-winning jams and chutneys crafted by The Lush Larder and Peggy’s Family Farm, luscious milkshakes and butter prepared by Island Dairies Milk, flavoursome meats produced by Rosemount Cottage Farm Meats to tasty coffee made by Coney Island Coffee, refreshing craft beers created by Spadetown Brewer and traditional non-alcoholic ginger wine from Jackson Roze.
And as the weather heated up on the day, so did the competition – with many of the borough’s champion breeders and handlers picking up honours in the Texel sheep, Simmental cattle categories as well as Dexter calf and heifer classes to name a few.
Former Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield said:
“I was absolutely delighted to attend the Lurgan Show at the weekend, and as the sun shone down on us there really was no better way to showcase and celebrate our local farming, food, and rural community!
“As one of my last official engagements as Lord Mayor it was fantastic to meet so many of the borough’s talented food and drink producers and taste their amazing treats and eats as well as see so many of our champion breeders scoop so many awards and rosettes.
“Now with the Armagh Show only days away, I would like to wish all those getting ready to take part, exhibit or compete all the best.”
Organised by Lurgan & District Horse and Cattle Society, the 108th Lurgan Show brought together thousands of people to Lurgan Park to enjoy a day of equestrian and livestock championships, vintage tractors and machinery, mouth-watering local produce, and family fun.
The summer show season continues this weekend, with the Armagh County Agricultural Show and Country Festival taking place on Saturday 10 June at Gosford Forest Park. To find out more about this show please click here.
