In pictures: The 2021 Balmoral Show

Thousands of people have been flocking to the first day of Balmoral Show, the biggest event in the agri-food calendar in Northern Ireland.

The show is being staged for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, having been cancelled last year.

This year's event, which was postponed from its traditional date in May, is being held over four days at Balmoral Park, outside Lisburn.

It has returned with new entry rules which have been introduced to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Face masks were a new addition for the first Covid-era Balmoral Show

The competition can be intense as livestock handlers vie for Balmoral's coveted championship titles

There was a queue for the showers at the Balmoral Show

A shampoo and a scrub ensured these cattle were looking their best for the judges

It was a "short back and sides" all round as sheep shearers put their skills to the test

Balmoral's sheep shearing competition is now in its 60th year

The competitions also included a show jumping tournament

Some competitors couldn't help hogging the limelight in the pig pens

After all the excitement of the competition ring, it was time to get a snack and hit the hay