This year, demand for exhibition space has been at a record high and over 1,300 exhibitors will be displaying their products or services during the three days. They will be extremely busy over the coming two weeks preparing elaborate displays, promotions and giveaways to treat and attract the visiting public.
The main attraction at the championships still remains to be Machinery with many top brands taking very large exhibits at the event. For example, Tractor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with displays, demonstrations and advice from brands such as New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Valtra, Landini, McCormick, Case IH, Deutz-Fahr, ECI, Shire, Claas, Manitou, Zetor, Tumosan, and Kubota.
The Livestock Arena promises to be a huge attraction this year with many very valuable prizewinning animals on show. At the centre of this Arena the Lely Robotic Milking Demonstrations is set to attract thousands of visitors from both the farming and non-farming communities as such a demonstration has never before been seen at an Irish Exhibition.
Other main attractions include exhibitions in areas such as Forestry, Lifestyles & Leisure, Information Technology, Educational & Business Agencies & Colleges, Hotels & Tourism, a Renewable Energies Village, Information Services, Craft Fair, Equestrian, Home & Garden, Agri-Business & Services, Financial Services, Engineering and a Motoring Arena.
The trade arena will feature a number of huge marquees that will focus on various interests like Food & Wine, Lifestyle & Tourism, House & Home, Retail, Health and Wellness, Education & Business and Agri. Services with the National Dairy Council, Laois Ploughing Village, Leader Village and Bord Bia all featuring. Laois Ploughing will be launching a “Childrens Playground” which is a first for the Ploughing in partnership with Go Play/Kompan. For foodies at the Ploughing there will be celebrity chef cookery demonstrations throughout the event, numerous food exhibits, lots of options to sample, flavours from around Ireland as well as International and local producers along with 40 caterers servicing 3 large catering parks throughout the sight.
This year marks the fifth staging of the Championships in Co. Laois and the Bandstand line-up will feature much of the local Laois talent including Portlaoise Gospel Choir, Rathensika Marching Band and the Laois School of Music Orpheus Orchestra. Over the three days, visitors will be entertained by Marching Bands, Traditional Musicians, Irish Dancers, along with some of the more nationally known entertainers.
‘The Husqvarna Hurdle’ will feature an obstacle course to wow the crowds and test their skills and speed over poles and wood . In addition, the Live Tractor Build will make a return to the event which features six competitive teams. Other highly popular attractions include Sheep Shearing, Junior and Senior Hunt Chase, Vintage Machinery Exhibition and Threshing Demonstrations, Fashion Shows, Horse Ploughing, Sheep Dog Trials, Loy Digging, Meggers, Celebrity Cookery Demonstrations, Outdoor Radio Broadcasts and much more.
With all that is taking place, large visitor numbers in excess of 187,000 are expected again this year. In accommodating this influx of visitors, several hundred acres of free car parking spaces are currently being prepared surrounding the event site. The event entry fee also remains extremely good value with admission for adults at €20, Students and OAP’s at €15 and children under 12 (accompanied by an adult) go for free. In addition, a 10% discount is available for pre-booked Student groups. For ticket bookings, contact 00 353 (0)59 8625125 or email tickets@npa.ie