ARMAGH, Banbridge and Craig-avon food and drink producers, farmers and agri businesses – better known as the Food Heartland of NI – pulled out all the stops once more during the 175th Armagh County Agricultural Show.
Organised by Armagh County Agri-cultural Show Society, the renowned event was held at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Gosford Forest Park and featured everything from livestock and equestrian competitions, food and craft marquees, cooking demonstrations and trade stands to vintage displays, home industries, live music, a fun fair and lots more.
“There really was no better way to kick-start my first run of official engagements as Lord Mayor than by making a visit to this year’s Armagh County Show and getting to meet so many of the borough’s hard-working, ambitious and highly-respected Food Heartland businesses,” commented re-
cently elected Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Paul Greenfield.
“No more visible than at today’s show, our borough is home to a thriving, diverse and distinguished agri scene that includes everyone from planters to producers, crafters to creators, growers to grocers, butchers to bakers, and breeders to brewers.”
Mr Greenfield went on: “As a council we are extremely proud of this local agricultural and farming community, and we are keen to continue showcasing and championing their success as well as supporting and driving their sustainable growth by working in partnership with the sector through our many interventions such as the recently launched Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan.”
As thousands flocked to the Markethill parkland, the show did not disappoint with highlights including a mouth-watering array of local Food Heartland produce in the food marquee, a cookery demonstration with leading local chefs Paula McIntyre and Kirsty Stevenson, as well as countless trophies and rosettes from champion agri businesses, breed-ers, handlers and riders.
One of the longest-running shows in Ireland, the Armagh County Agricultural Show dates back to 1829.
To learn more about the Food Heartland and Armagh City, Ban-bridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan, please contact agri@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
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