The event brought together participants aged 12 to 18 from Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland as part of a home nations gathering.

Held at the Greenmount Campus of the College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Randalstown & District Beekeepers Association apiary, the competition warm-up for the prestigious International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB), which Northern Ireland will host for the first time in July 2026.

The IMYB 2026 will welcome competitors from 40 countries, with events planned at Titanic Belfast, Queen’s University, and Belfast City Hall.

For young beekeepers like Sarah, 16, the competition is about more than just bees. A past IMYB participant, she values the global friendships and cultural exchange the event fosters. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” she said, though she worries about the aging population in beekeeping and hopes to inspire more young people to join.

Blair, 17, who has 14 hives of his own and competed for Team Scotland in Dubai last year, described beekeeping as “good for your mind” and praised the welcoming nature of the community.

Phoebe, 16, who represented Team England in Dubai, echoed that excitement and said she hopes to see more young faces involved in future competitions.

UBKA president John Hill described the Antrim event as a “dress rehearsal” for IMYB 2026 and said it highlights the importance of engaging young people in the craft. “They soak up knowledge like blotting paper,” he said.