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In Pictures: Food Heartland in a Class of its Own at Armagh Show

Chris Kennedy waiting to show his Charollais Ram Lamb at the 2023 Armagh Show

Food and drink producers, farmers, and agri-businesses from the borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon were in a class of their own at the 176th Armagh County Agricultural Show over the weekend.

Held on Saturday, at Gosford Forest Park, hot on the heels of the Lurgan Show, the event marked the second agriculture show to take place in the ABC borough in as many weeks.

And even with this quick turnaround, the local Food Heartland team still demonstrated why the region is second to none for its food, drink, and farming, winning big across many of the competitions on day.

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Local Armagh artisan jam and chutney producer, Peggy’s Family Farm scooped first place in the best trade stand category in the Food Village, while honours for the borough’s farmers included rosettes in the Dexter Heifer, Beef Interbreed and Hereford Champion classes to name a few.

Delighted to attend the Armagh Show in her first week as the new Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley said: “It was fantastic to attend the Armagh Show on Saturday and get the opportunity to meet so many of the borough’s hard-working Food Heartland businesses – from planters to producers; crafters to creators; growers to grocers; butchers to bakers; and breeders to brewers.

Lord Mayor Alderman Margaret Tinsley with Anne Mac Oscar and Robin Moore from Gilfresh at the 2023 Armagh Show.

“Our local agriculture sector makes a massive contribution to the community life and economic fortunes of the ABC borough, employing over 7,000 people and adding around £376 million to the local economy – facts not lost on us in council. Which is why we are committed to showcasing and championing our local agricultural and farming sector as well as supporting and driving their growth through our many Food Heartland initiatives.”

Helping the crowds get a taste of the borough, the Food Heartland showcase stand, which was supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, offered people the chance to sample the region’s unrivalled food and drink created by local producers such as Peggy’s Family Farm, Jackson Roze, The Lush Larder, Island Dairies Milk, Rosemount Cottage Farm Meats and Marshall Beekeeping.

Organised by Armagh County Agricultural Show Society, the popular event 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!

Marcus Murdock delighted with his Beef Interbreed Champion Win at the 2023 Armagh Show

Lord Mayor Alderman Margaret Tinsley pictured with Jackson Roze’s Nicky and Andrew Jackson and family at this year’s Armagh Show.

Lord Mayor Alderman Margaret Tinsley with Colin Capper and staff from Rosemount Cottage Farm Meats at this year’s Armagh Show.

The Food Village was buzzing on Saturday 10 June at Armagh Show.

Jenna from Marshall Beekeeping chats to a customer about their delicious honey-infused products.

Lord Mayor congratulates Raymond and Stewart Pogue on winning overall Hereford Champion Bull at the 2023 Armagh Show.

Lord Mayor Alderman Margaret Tinsley pictured with Sara Jane Lester and Georgia McIlrath. Georgia picked up first place with Dunlarg Bella in the 12 months old class and placed third in the Junior Young Handlers class.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Alderman Margaret Tinsley and Roger Wilson (Chief Executive ABC Council) with Trevor Lockhart (Fane Valley) and George McCall (Chairman Armagh County Show).

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