Great success for winter fair as crowds return to Royal Welsh Showground

Reindeers, Santa and fireworks were key ingredients at this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Lauren Kinsey-Owen of Aberedw Young Farmers Club and Sian Healey of Pontfaen Young Farmers Club with the Christmas wreaths they made in the YFC competitions.

The reindeers, Simba and Thor, flew in from the North Pole to thrill the crowds at the event, along with Santa who returned to this year’s fair following the pandemic and was kept very busy with lots of visitors.

The first day of what is one of Europe’s premier agricultural events was rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display and later night shopping.

The two-day event looked to be continuing its resurgence after Covid as crowds packed in to enjoy the best of Welsh produce, a packed schedule of competitions, eye-catching displays, a relaxed shopping experience and some great food and drink.

Television star Neil Morrisey was a judge in the inaugural Bacon, Burger and Sausage Competition, along with writer and director Phillip John and Steve Morgan of Morgan Family Butchers.

Freda James and her daughter Liz Edwards of Beulah took home a haul of prizes at the Winter Fair

Providing a festive atmosphere at the event were singers and entertainers, including Katie Fairclough, The Welsh Whisperer, Holly Richards and Lowri Evans.

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones, Brecon and Radnorshire Senedd Member James Evans and Welsh Government Minister Lesley Griffiths were among those visiting the event, while Llanwrtyd Wells County Councillor and former Powys High Sheriff Peter James was a judge in the Taste Awards 2022.

Farmers’ Union of Wales officials held meetings with Members of the Senedd, highlighting key concerns about the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, Sustainable Farming Scheme Proposals, the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, as well as a variety of animal health issues, including Bovine TB.

Kim Alman of Gladestry Court with her Beulah speckled face sheep which came in 5th place at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwedd.

Joining the FUW for discussions were Members of the Senedd Jane Dodds, Peter Fox, James Evans, Cefin Campbell, Sam Kurtz and Mabon ap Gwynfor.

One Powys family took home a haul of prizes at the fair for their floral art displays.

Liz Edwards, from Beulah, came second for her All Hallow’s Eve floral display, while her mum Freda’s exhibit was highly commended. Liz also gained three third prizes for her space travel, sparkle and spiral floral exhibits and her granddaughter Evie Edwards, eight, won second prize for her winter garden display.