The event in Builth Wells is a fixture of the Welsh agricultural calendar
One of the biggest events in the Welsh calendar, the Royal Welsh show starts tomorrow (Monday, June 21). For the next four days, at the Llanelwedd showground in Builth Wells will host thousands of visitors.
The Royal Welsh Show runs from Monday, July 21, to Thursday, July 24. There are livestock and equine competitions, as well as activities like forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping as well as food and drink traders.
Competitions include ironwork, tug-of-wars, honey judging, pole climbing and tree felling.
This year’s event will be subject to restrictions on livestock, which have been introduced by Welsh Government as a result of Bluetongue.
Bluetongue is a viral disease which is spread by biting midges, and affects sheep, cattle, goats and deer, llama and alpaca. It is circulating in England and Wales. Rarely, it can affect dogs and other carnivores but it does not affect humans and poses no risk to public health or food safety.
The Royal Welsh Show has banned livestock from England from this year’s event following the spread of the bluetongue virus. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Animals that must travel through a restricted zone are also banned, effectively denying entry to any livestock from Scotland.
It is expected there will be 40% fewer cattle competing at this year’s show.
The event is huge in terms of the farming community, not just for competitions, but trade. Organisers say visitors spend almost £10 million whilst attending the Royal Welsh Show with £3m of economic benefit further down the supply chain.
The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has praised farmers for being the “backbone of our rural communities”.
Speaking ahead of the show, he said: “Y Sioe is an absolute highlight of the summer for me and represents the beating heart of rural Wales, showcasing the extraordinary talent, innovation and dedication that defines Welsh agriculture.
“This is never more evident than in the enthusiasm of our next generation of farmers who are the bright future of Welsh agriculture.
“This magnificent showcase wouldn’t be possible without our farmers who produce the high-quality food we eat, manage the land and have helped shape the landscape that we are all so proud of.”
Broadcaster and journalist, Dei Tomos, will officially open this year’s show and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, will visit the Royal Welsh Show on Monday.
Attending in her capacity as President of The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), Her Royal Highness will participate in the RASC’s Annual General Meeting, held at this year’s Show.
The Princess Royal will then tour the showground on what is her seventh visit.
The official opening ceremony is at 10am on Monday.