Proposals for how the 2020 Winter Fair could be run have been presented to trade exhibitors by the show’s organising body.

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has asked trade exhibitors if they intend to take a stand at this year’s event in the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park.

The feedback will influence the final decision by the RUAS on whether the dairy event will go ahead on Thursday 10 December. Trade exhibitors have been told that the RUAS will make the call on Friday (2 October).

Visitor numbers will be limited to around 2,000 people

If the event does go ahead, there will be no cattle show, and all visitors will need to pre purchase tickets before the event. Visitor numbers will be limited to around 2,000 people, who will be required to wear face masks, and will be temperature checked on arrival at the site. A one-way system would operate at the venue, along with wider aisles, with more stewards in place to manage the flow of people.

Beef and lamb

Meanwhile, the RUAS has confirmed that the third annual Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships will take place on Tuesday 24 November at the Eikon Exhibition Centre.

The show of cattle and sheep will be closed to the public. For the sale, a limited number of buyers can pre-register and will be permitted entry. The event will be live streamed.