25th Anniversary Launch of Winter Fair
The 25th anniversary Royal Ulster Winter Fair in partnership with sole sponsor Northern Bank will take place on Thursday 9th December. Launched this afternoon at the King’s Hall Complex, the Winter Fair once again promises a full house of livestock exhibitors competing throughout the day for the coveted title of Supreme Champion.
Robin Morrow, RUAS President, welcomed guests to the launch and highlighted the continued popularity of the Fair. “Visitors will see the highest quality of dairy cattle livestock on show as well as finding out what the industry has to offer. The success of this unique event is apparent when you take into consideration the continually improving quality of livestock entries and the expanding amount of trade stand space sold.”
Northern Bank continue as sole sponsor of the event making this 25 years of continuous sponsorship. Speaking after the launch of the Royal Ulster Winter Fair John Henning, Head of Agriculture, Northern Bank said “This long-term sponsorship of the Royal Ulster Winter Fair reflects our ongoing support of the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland. We are proud to continue our sole sponsorship of this premier event in the dairy farming calendar. We look forward to playing our part in the 25th anniversary show and hope that livestock exhibitors and visitors also rise to the challenge and help make this year the best yet. At Northern Bank we value our strong links with the agricultural sector and this continued partnership confirms our ongoing commitment to agriculture.”
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, joined in the celebrations. She said: "The RUAS are to be congratulated on hosting the Winter Fair for 25 years. This is a showcase event in the agricultural calendar, promoting the best of the Dairy Industry throughout Ireland, and provides an excellent vehicle for exhibitors to market their products and services. I am delighted to take part in the anniversary celebrations and celebrate DARD's continued support for the event."
The Winter Fair judge this year is Brian Leslie from Victoria, Australia. His job will not be easy as Northern Bank are offering a £25 incentive for animals actually exhibited. This is to encourage exhibitors to bring the maximum number of animals entered to help make the 25th anniversary show even more spectacular. Livestock exhibitors are reminded that close of entry is Wednesday 24th November at 5pm.
This event proves it can stand the test of time with 150 companies exhibiting at the Fair of which 14 have attended for all 25 years. This year alone, the trade space has increased by 228sqm to accommodate new exhibitors such as Johnston Gilpin, Moore Concrete and Northern Excavators.
While a large number of livestock exhibitors have returned year on year, only one has entered every year, John Suffern from Crumlin. One entrant has won the competition four times, Sam McCormick, with Medway Supreme Maude. The RUAS congratulates these exhibitors on their dedication to the dairy farming sector.
The 2010 Winter Fair will take place at the King’s Hall Complex, Belfast on December 9th from 9am to 5pm. Admission for adults £8, 12 – 18yrs £6, seniors (over 65) £6, under 12’s free when accompanied by an adult and RUAS members are free of charge.
Discounted rates are available online at www.winterfair.org.uk. For further information please contact the RUAS on 028 9066 5225 or visit the website.
ENDS
For further information contact: Tracy O’Toole on 028 9068 6181 or email tracy@kingshall.co.uk
