The local energy provider supports major agricultural shows in Newry and Ballymoney as organisers highlight rising costs, rural resilience and the importance of local partnerships

Share Energy has reaffirmed its support for the farming sector through sponsorship of both this year’s Newry Agricultural Show and Ballymoney Show, among others, highlighting the vital role agricultural events play in sustaining rural life, economic activity and industry connections across Northern Ireland.

The Ballymoney Show will take place on June 5th and 6th, while the Newry Agricultural Show follows on June 27th. Together, the events attract thousands of visitors each year and continue to serve as important showcases for agriculture, local enterprise and rural engagement.

Now in its 156th year, the Newry Agricultural Show welcomes more than 3,500 attendees, 500 livestock competitors and 100 trade stands. The event delivers an estimated £115,000 in local economic impact while providing a platform for farmers, businesses and organisations alike.

Brian Lockhart, Chair of the Newry Agricultural Show, said the importance of agricultural shows goes far beyond a single day’s event.

“These events bring real value, not only for farmers but for the wider public as well. It’s about bringing people together, sharing best practice in agriculture and giving urban audiences a chance to see what rural life is really like.”

Beyond agriculture, Ballymoney Show also plays an important role in supporting local enterprise and strengthening rural ties.

Anne McLaughlin, Secretary of the Ballymoney Show, said:

“As a charity and a limited company, we don’t make a profit ourselves, but we aim to support the local rural economy by giving small businesses a platform to get established. Many traders are just starting out and use the show to introduce themselves to the public, whether that’s craft stalls, food producers, clothing or woodwork businesses.”

The show must go on

While the Newry Show itself operates with minimal centralised power, relying on a single generator for core operations, Brian said the wider pressures facing shows reflect broader challenges across rural industries.

“We’re all under financial pressure. Whether you’re a small show like ours or a larger one, you still must find the money to run it. Costs have gone up significantly since COVID, and they haven’t come back down.”

At the Ballymoney Show, generators are also essential to keeping the event running. Power is required for approximately 30 trade stands, the demonstration kitchen unit and pavilion facilities including refrigeration, laptops and charging points.

Anne said rising operational costs have made budgeting increasingly difficult for organisers.

“We need to know what we plan to spend on power and electricity so we can factor it into our expenses. Having more certainty around energy costs would make managing shows much easier.”

Despite financial pressures, agricultural shows continue to act as important business and networking hubs for the farming industry, particularly as interest in new agricultural technologies grows.

“There’s definitely increased demand to see new technologies in agriculture, especially machinery,” Anne said.

For Share Energy, supporting events like Newry and Ballymoney is about more than sponsorship: it is about investing in the long-term resilience of rural Northern Ireland.

Ailbhe McCusker, Community Champion at Share Energy, said:

“Agricultural shows are at the heart of rural life in Northern Ireland. They’re not just events; they’re essential meeting points where people connect, businesses engage and important conversations happen.”

The company, which works with businesses and farmers across Northern Ireland to manage energy costs and explore renewable solutions, sees agricultural shows as a critical touchpoint for engagement.

“Even where energy isn’t front and centre, it still underpins everything, from rising operational costs to the pressures facing exhibitors and organisers. We see our role as helping rural businesses navigate those challenges and build long-term resilience.”

As financial pressures, weather uncertainty and rising costs continue to challenge the future of agricultural shows across Northern Ireland, organisers Anne and Brian say sponsorship and local partnerships remain critical to their survival.

Share Energy is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Newry Show and will also sponsor the Young Farmers’ Cooking Competition at the Ballymoney Show.

Anne said partnerships with businesses like Share Energy are essential to the viability of local agricultural shows.

“We are very grateful for the sponsorship provided by Share Energy this year and hope it will continue in the future. We rely heavily on financial support from dedicated sponsors and local council funding. That support helps us cover running costs and provide additional attractions for visitors.”

“We couldn’t run a show without sponsors like Share Energy,” Brian added. “When companies support events like this, it raises the professionalism of the show and allows us to deliver a better experience for everyone.”

For Share Energy, maintaining a presence at local events remains a key priority.

“Shows provide a rare opportunity to have face-to-face conversations in a setting where people feel at ease,” Ailbhe added. “That’s incredibly valuable when it comes to supporting farmers and rural businesses with something as important, and often complex, as energy.

“We’re proud to support events like the Newry Agricultural Show and Ballymoney Show. They play a vital role in sustaining rural life, and we’re committed to being part of that future.”

The Ballymoney Show will take place on June 5th and 6th at the Ballymoney Showgrounds, North Road, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, Antrim.

The Newry Agricultural Show will return on Saturday, 27th June 2026, at 12–18 Derrywilligan Road, Bessbrook, Co. Down. Gates open at 9 am.

Share Energy will also be at the Omagh Show (July 4th), the Castlewellan Agricultural Show (July 18th) and the Clogher Valley Show (July 30th).