Shropshire Star

Show calendar gets under way

Tens of thousands of people enjoyed a day out at the Royal Welsh Smallholding and Countryside Festival at Builth Wells at the weekend.

Published
The showground

A celebration of rural life, the festival had smallholders and those who have a love of the countryside and outdoor activities at its heart.

A pre-cursor to the Royal Welsh Show, the festival including competitions, main ring entertainment and fun and educational activities.

Among the competition winners was young shepherd, Tom Evans from Four Crosses, while Debbie Francis, Llanidloes, took first for the best Angora goat fleece and Shropshire's Jayne Bowen won the heavy horse section.

From a re-enactment group to circus skills to a bee experience tent and the a wealth of different rural crafts on display, old and new the Country Life area was full of exciting action.

Having spent the past week visiting 15 schools across Wales, and telling the farming story to over 2000 children, the CowsOnTour team spent the weekend chatting to visitors and explaining in a fun, hands-on way where our food comes from and the importance of farming.

“Being able to learn first-hand about agriculture and the importance of farming is a really important part of our Smallholding and Countryside Festival.” Kay Spencer, Festival Director, said.

“The CowsOnTour initiative is a truly unique way of getting both children, and the general public, more engaged with knowing where their food comes from. We are delighted that we have been able to support this dynamic young team throughout their roadshow and during the festival. It’s great that our visitors have be able to get involved with the full CowsOnTour experience and learn more about the Welsh agricultural industry and the whole farming story.”

“We are really pleased with how much everyone enjoyed the first Royal Welsh event of 2019.”

The more athletic visitors tackled the mid-Wales hills to once again take on the challenge of the Royal Welsh Trail Running Festival, run in conjunction with Run 4 Wales. A series of challenging but scenic trail races, starting and finishing in the showground and taking in the surrounding valleys, fields and woodland tracks was held on the Saturday of the festival. The hundreds of finishers, including the winners of the Welsh Championship race, were presented with a trail-running t-shirt and a commemorative Welsh slate medal.

“The Smallholding and Countryside Festival has been the perfect way to begin the show season for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.” said Steve Hughson, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Chief Executive.

“We are fortunate to have tremendous support from all - trade stands, sponsors, competitors, volunteers and visitors - at all of our events, the next one being the up-coming 100th Royal Welsh Show just nine weeks away, held here at the showground in Llanelwedd on July 22-25."