While the competition is sure to be fierce at the Northern Ireland International Ploughing Championships which hosted the Six Nations Vintage Ploughing Contest, families and children of all ages will have an activity packed Saturday in the County Down village of Donaghcloney.
While most eyes will be on the horse, vintage and modern tractor ploughing competitors and the quality of their furrows in the fields, kids are set for an fun filled day out at Donaghcloney Saturday, 30th September.
Amongst the free children’s activities are face painting, glitter tractor tattoos, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts as well as a ploughing themed colouring competition and appearance by internet sensation the Grass Lads.
William King, President of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association said: “Our championships always attract families as well as competitors so our committee work hard to make sure there is plenty of fun to be had by all. Alongside the celebration and recognition of agricultural skills in ploughing – the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster host their annual fencing and soil assessment competitions at our event.
“It’s such an important couple of days for our competitive ploughmen – it not only showcases the best ploughing across NI and gives us our country worthy representatives for the European and World Ploughing competitions in 2018 but we want to make sure that everyone can experience first hand what it’s like to plough, witness excellence and maybe even be inspired to become our next generation of ploughmen and ploughwomen. It’s important for us that our spectators and competitors all enjoy their time at our 74th annual contest in Donaghcloney.”
As well as the fun activities there are trade stands, a variety of food, vintage displays, a hospitality tent and a range of horse events, including displays of ploughing by the mighty Welsh Cob and Clydesdale breeds.
“No-one will be bored,” said Wilson Holden, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association. “In fact the organisers are as excited as those attending from right across the UK and Ireland!”
The event organised by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association (which is now in its 74th year) rotates around locations right across Northern Ireland and has been made possible with the support of volunteers and funding from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.