The Balmoral Show took place at the Maze site this year. Organisers reported steady attendance across multiple sections despite periods of wind, rain and low temperatures.

Exhibits included livestock, farm machinery, food stalls, equestrian events and gardening displays. Staff from the News Letter and Farming Life conducted interviews on site with politicians, farmers and business representatives.

One attendee returned for the first time since 1976. His father had managed the event through the Troubles and the visitor noted the shift from the former King’s Hall location to the larger current grounds.

The show site lies next to the former Maze prison. The event had previously been held later in May to reduce the chance of rain.

May is the sunniest month in Northern Ireland, with daylight sunshine averaging 37 percent compared with the annual figure of 28 percent.

Staff observed that the expanded facilities now accommodate separate zones for cattle, machinery, indoor exhibits and entertainment.