The Balmoral Show is renowned as a great day out for families and we want to help everyone enjoy their visit. Please find details below on the accessibility support available across the showgrounds and a copy of our 2024 Accessibility Map.
Balmoral Show operates a free carers policy, whereby we offer a free Carer's Pass to any paying customer requiring a carer to accompany them on their visit*. You can view our Carers Admission Policy here.
*Please note proof of carer status will be required. Carer's Pass requirements can be viewed here.
There are seating areas located across the showgrounds to include:
There is a viewing platform for wheelchair users (with ramp access) located beside the Member's Pavilion overlooking the Main Arena. This platform is uncovered so we recommend dressing appropriately for the weather.
There are accessible toilets located throughout the showgrounds:
The high dependency changing unit at the Show includes a fully automatic tracking hoist, height-adjustable changing couch, support hand rails for ease of movement, and emergency call alarm. There is space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers. A centrally placed toilet with room either side for carers, and a curtain to allow privacy. This will be located adjacent to the rear of the Eikon building.
There are baby feeding and changing facilities across the Showgrounds:
Accessible parking is available for people in possession of a blue badge on a first come, first served basis. Please make a parking attendant aware that you wish to use this facility upon your entry to the site. A car parking charge of £10 is applicable to all public car parking at the event.
Shop Mobility* will have a variety of services available at Public Entrance 1. Please contact them in advance of the Show to find out more and book according to your requirements.
Phone: 07548 478306
Email: helen@gobility.info
*Service provided by Gobility in partnership with Shopmobility Mid Ulster & Shopmobility Lisburn.
The Show welcomes thousands of visitors every year but there are quieter and busier times across the four days.
Traditionally, Wednesday can be the quietest day of the Show with Saturday being the busiest. Please bare in mind, as the Show is largely held outdoors the weather often influences crowd numbers on any given day.
Crowds can be at their highest during the middle of each day:
This year we are delighted to offer sensory sessions at our on-site funfair for children and adults with additional/sensory needs on:
Wednesday 15th May, 9:30am - 11:00am
Saturday 18th May, 9:30am - 11:00am
During this time, music and noise levels will be reduced, sensory lighting effects such as strobes and smoke machines will not be in use and rides where possible will be slowed down.
As returning visitors will be aware, the showgrounds are a hive of activity throughout the event and there can be a variety of loud sounds. In particular, the cattle rings, sheep rings, shearing pavilion and equine arenas will have PA systems in use during the various competitions. In addition, our shopping halls and indoor marquees can become noisy at peak times.
If you require a quiet space to take some time out from the hustle and bustle, we have a dedicated Quiet Area called the Wellbeing Hub located between the Eikon and Sustainability Village.
Provided by The Big White Coach Events Company, this wellbeing hub is free to use for all adult visitors and staff, and serves as an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the activities of the Show. The tranquil space will offer a range of holistic wellness activities and amenities, including mindfulness techniques, relaxing seating options, all encased within a dome structure. Visitors to the hub will be given a pack upon entry featuring items and literature which they may use to best suit their needs and requirements during their visit to the hub. These will then be returned upon exit.
A member of The Big White Coach Events Team will be at the hub throughout the Show opening times should anyone need support.
As the country's largest agri-food event, the Balmoral Show is mostly held outdoors across our arenas, walkways and hundreds of trade stands, helping us to make the most of natural lighting.
All of our permanent buildings across the showgrounds feature bright LED lighting and our marquee structures have moderate lighting installed.
With over 3,000 head of livestock, horses and ponies, not to mention lots of tasty food we would like to remind all visitors that there are some strong smells across the showgrounds.
The livestock around the showgrounds are used to taking part in competitions and being around crowds but we always insist that you ask the exhibitor before approaching or touching any of their animals. Your safety is always our top priority.
To avail of specific touch sensory experiences at the Show please feel free to visit the Sensory Bus within the Healthy Horticulture Area. Organised by the Big White Coach Events Company, this double decker bus and accompanying zones are specifically designed to be welcoming to a range of neurodivergent needs.
We have a variety of caterers across the showgrounds who can accommodate common dietary requirements. For a full list please visit our Foodies Guide to the Show.
There are also water refill stations at Pubic Entrance 1, within the Eikon and en route to the Central Food Court.
Seated catering areas around the showgrounds can be found at:
Stockman’s Restaurant
Fringe Café
Healthy Horticulture picnic benches
Downtown Show Stage
Children's Area
Horse Grand Stand
Central Food Court
Assistance dogs are welcome at the Show for visitors who require their support. Pet dogs are not permitted in the showgrounds and should not be left in the car parks.
If you require further accessibility or welfare assistance during the Show please visit the Welfare Unit between the Eikon Exhibition Centre and Sustainability Village.
Do you have the expertise to help make the Show a great day out for everyone? You can volunteer as an event ambassador at this year's Show via the Volunteer Now website. From meeting and greeting to helping ensure all visitors have an excellent and informed event experience, there are roles for every skillset.
Stay in touch and follow us on our social media channels.
