The Balmoral Show is renowned as a great day out for families and we want to help everyone enjoy their visit.
Our 2026 Accessibility Map is now available alongside additional information on facilities across the showgrounds below to include wheelchair/mobility scooter hire, parking and sensory support.
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:
This year we also have wheelchair accessible picnic tables scattered across the catering areas in our showgrounds.
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 handrails for ease of movement, and emergency call alarm. There is space in the changing area for the user 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.
Balmoral 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@mobilitymidulster.org
*Service provided by Mobility Mid Ulster and 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 again at our on-site funfair for children and adults with additional/sensory needs on:
Wednesday 13th May, 9:30am - 11:00am
Saturday 16th 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 family-friendly sensory regulation zone located in the Children's Area.
Provided by Diverse Minds Events, this area is free to use and serves as a dedicated space to help visitors manage their sensory systems and reduce overstimulation. There will also be a specific private zone for any families who would like to avail of extra space to check in and take some time out from the activity across the showgrounds. Please speak to a member of staff from Diverse Minds Events for further information during your visit.
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 for children at the Show this year we have incorporated a kids sensory trail in the new Horticulture Hub to help young visitors learn about where their food comes from through their touch, sight, hearing and so much more.
We also host a sensory regulation zone for families in the Children's Area for visitors who need to regulate their sensory systems or who feel overwhelmed. Organised by Diverse Minds Events, this area is specifically designed to be welcoming to a range of neurodivergent needs and has specialist staff on hand for extra support.
We have a variety of caterers across the showgrounds who can accommodate common dietary requirements. For a full list please visit our Where to Eat guide to the Show.
There are also 10 free water refill stations located around the site as detailed on our maps.
Seated catering areas around the showgrounds, to include several wheelchair accessible picnic tables, can be found at:
Balmoral Bistro
Fringe Café
Horticulture Hub picnic benches
Downtown Show Stage
Children's Area
Horse Grand Stand
Central Food Court
Verified 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.
At Public Entrance 2 in the Eikon Foyer there is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system. If in doubt, please ask a member if staff for assistance upon arrival.
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.
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