The countdown to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2026 is underway, and advance tickets are now on sale

The countdown to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2026 is underway, and advance tickets are now on sale for the two-day event at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on Monday November 30 and Tuesday, December 1.

Recognised as one of Europe’s leading prime stock shows, the Winter Fair brings together some of the finest livestock, food, shopping and entertainment, attracting visitors from across Wales and beyond to enjoy the festive event.

Livestock exhibitors still have time to enter, with entries open until Wednesday, October 7 via the RWAS website.

The Fair will showcase top-quality cattle, sheep, pigs and horses as competitors vie for championship titles and prestigious trophies. Visitors can witness the excitement of the auctions on the final day, when prize-winners go under the hammer in the show rings.

And there is plenty more to see beyond the livestock, with competitions and classes covering floral art, hounds, dressed poultry, eggs and pigeons, butchery, meat hampers, cookery, produce and handicraft.

The Winter Fair is also a popular destination for Christmas shopping, with hundreds of trade stands offering a wide range of gifts, crafts and unique products.

On Monday evening, the showground stays open for late-night Christmas shopping, before the day closes with a spectacular pyro musical firework display at 7pm.

Food and drink take centre stage in the Food Hall, showcasing Welsh-produced products from artisan cheeses and baked goods to seasonal treats and gifts.

The Gwledd | Feast area will also bring together Welsh street food and local producers, with live music on the Gwledd Stage throughout the two days.

Taking place during term time, the Winter Fair provides a unique chance for schoolchildren and college students to explore the journey of food from farm to fork.

The Countryside Careers programme will also give students the opportunity to discover the wide range of careers available across the rural, agricultural and land-based industries, while Santa’s Grotto adds a sprinkle of Christmas magic for the little ones. Schools, colleges and universities must register their group visits by October 12.The Winter Fair opens to the public at 8am on both days, offering two days of livestock, competitions, shopping, food, entertainment and festive celebrations.

Advance online tickets are on sale now: £24 on Monday, £22 on Tuesday and £5 for children (under 5s go free). RWAS members can also enjoy exclusive discounts.

For full details, to buy tickets, enter livestock or view schedules, visit www.rwas.wales or www.cafc.cymru.

Kick-start the festive season with a trip to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2026 – a celebration of farming, food and Christmas spirit.