Organisers have spent the last few months working with government advisors to do the seemingly impossible; adapt an event normally attended by upwards of 100,000 people, to crowd limits and social distancing requirements.
Aisles have been considerably widened to allow for social distancing, and with several trade exhibitors choosing to run stands without staff, the main action is taking place around the show rings. Despite the circumstances, coming out of the dregs of Northern Ireland's extended Covid-19 lockdown, the mood is upbeat with many just glad to see old friends.No official estimate has been made public for the numbers currently inside the grounds, but understandably, turnout is noticeably lower than in previous years.
It's understood the showgrounds have a Covid-19 guidance limit of 22,000, but it's not known how many tickets have been sold. Those attending must purchase tickets online in advance and must also bring proof that they have been vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the event, or tested negative for Covid-19. To fulfil government Track and Trace obligations, tickets are day-specific but organisers say they can still be bought as the week goes on. Full entry conditions can be found on the RUAS website. Rhonda Geary, operations manager for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), which organises the show, said: "We are delighted with the response that there has been in ticket sales in the current circumstances."A total of 2,100 livestock entries have been made across the 650 classes scheduled. Record numbers of entries in ponies and poultry classes have been recorded and almost 300 beef cattle and 100 dairy registered.
This year, however, there will be no sheep classes as the later date comes at the wrong stage of the production cycle.