Marks & Spencer will return to Balmoral Show for 2026 as a platinum sponsor, marking another year of its long-standing commitment to Northern Ireland farming, food production, and sustainability.
Through its Plan A for Farming 2030 strategy, M&S continues to work closely with its Select Farmers to build long-term resilience across the agricultural sector – supporting farmers to invest, innovate and adopt more sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
Visitors can expect the return of the much-loved interactive M&S stand, featuring hands-on activities for children themed around eggs, beef and salmon supply chains. Young visitors will be invited to complete the M&S Farmyard Passport, collecting stamps as they move through the stand – with a Percy Pig bag waiting for those who complete their journey.
The stand will also showcase the Irish Football Association (IFA) Eat Well collaboration, highlighting balanced nutrition and healthy eating, alongside M&S’s trusted Select Farm programme.
M&S will once again sponsor key beef livestock classes, including the prestigious Aberdeen Angus Championships, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Northern Ireland’s farming community.
New for 2026, branded M&S stockmen’s coats for the Young Handler classes will make their debut, adding a distinctive visual element to the livestock competitions.
The annual Select Farm Awards will take place on Wednesday 13th at 3pm, followed by a Supplier Reception, bringing together farmers and producers from across the region to celebrate agricultural excellence, innovation and sustainability.
The popular M&S Demonstration Kitchen returns with chef Adam Palmer at the helm, preparing dishes using ingredients from across the M&S food range. Each day, he will be joined by a selection of local suppliers, sharing the stories behind their produce and offering visitors the chance to sample dishes and learn more about Northern Ireland sourcing partnerships.
The M&S shop returns following strong visitor demand, with a refreshed approach focused on value and simplicity.
A new £5 Meal Deal will headline the offering – featuring 16 sandwich and salad options, drinks, and crisps, delivering a £2 saving compared to individual items. Alongside this, visitors will find fruit (including locally produced strawberries), mini bites, Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig favourites, and the viral Custard Cream bar.
A coffee bar will also return, with all coffees priced at £3, alongside iced coffee for the first time at Balmoral Show.
Peter Kennedy, Head of Agriculture & Fisheries at M&S, said:
“It’s a real privilege for M&S to return to Balmoral Show as a platinum sponsor once again. This event is a highlight in our calendar and an important opportunity to celebrate the farmers and suppliers we’ve worked with for many years across Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland remains one of our most important sourcing regions, and the relationships we’ve built here are central to the quality, traceability and sustainability our customers expect from M&S.
This year’s stand brings back all the experiences visitors know and love, alongside new value-led additions like our £5 Meal Deal, which we know will be especially welcome for families enjoying a day at the show.
We’re also proud to continue showcasing our Select Farm programme and to recognise the outstanding work of local farmers through the Select Farm Awards.”
