Royal Welsh Show has been observed annually in July since 1904, organized by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, and this year, it is held from July 21 to 24. Every year, this four-day celebration draws some 250,000 visitors and brings together the farming community from all over Wales. The Royal Welsh Show features a wide range of activities in addition to cattle, including forestry, horticulture, countryside sports, crafts, food, and drink, as well as a daily 12-hour schedule of attractions, exhibitions, and entertainment. So, don’t miss out on this significant agricultural occasion.
History of Royal Welsh Show
The Royal Welsh Show was established in 1904 by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. The first show was held in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, in 1910. The show then moved between different venues until it developed its permanent showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, in 1963. Since then, the Royal Welsh Show has been held annually in July in Llanelwedd. There was no show held from 1915 to 1918, 1940 to 1945, and 2020 to 2021, and some events were held virtually in the latter years. Royal Welsh Show attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually, boosting tourism in Wales.
The Prince of Wales is a familiar sight at the show, who is a supporter of the farming community. He was nominated by the Farmers’ Union of Wales for his contribution to agriculture in 2003, which was announced at the show. Anyway, highlights of the show would include the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, performing their Musical Drive, said to be one of the most spectacular displays of horsemanship in the world. Besides, there would be the Falcons parachute display team, with their free fall display, and Paul Hannam, with his Quad Bike Stunt Show.
Farmers can enter their livestock into classes with various award categories for cattle, goats, horses, pigs, sheep, and other domestic animals. There would also be a sheep shearing and wool handling competition. Also, there would be family entertainment from the Rockwood Dog Display Team, showing the dog lovers every aspect of dog training. And there would be many more. The Royal Welsh Show is also for agriculture businesses, where they would have a trade stand to attract new business, and for young farmers who live in farming communities in Wales.
Royal Welsh Show timeline
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is formed.
Royal Welsh Show is first held in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion.
More than 61,000 people attend — the highest attendance figures in the history of the Royal Welsh Show up to that date.
Royal Welsh Show is first held in its permanent showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
Royal Welsh Show FAQs
Can you take dogs to the Royal Welsh Show?
Dogs are not permitted within the showground perimeter fence, except for assistance dogs.
When did the Royal Welsh Winter Fair start?
The success of the Royal Welsh Show has spawned two other great events, and one of those is the Winter Fair, which was founded in 1990.
What is the Royal Welsh motto?
The motto is “Gwell Angau na Chywilydd: Death rather than Dishonour.”
Royal Welsh Show Activities
Come to the show
You have to come to the show. There will be something for you to enjoy. You have the options, from forestry and horticulture to countryside sports and entertainment.
Join the competition
If you’re interested, join the sheep shearing and wool handling competition. Show how skilled you are at cutting off the woolen fleece of a sheep.
Have a trade stand
If you are in an agricultural business, you can have a trade stand. It’s an opportunity for you to attract new business from the farming community.
5 Interesting Facts About Sheep Shearing
It’s not painful to the sheep
The shearing process is not painful to the sheep, and they should be shorn every year.
It’s been practiced for a long time
Sheep shearing has been practiced since the dawn of civilization because wool was essential to support human life.
It’s to create a clean environment
Sheep are shorn annually to create a clean environment for newborn lambs.
Professionals should do it
Sheep shearing should be done by professionals because they are trained to shear sheep with care and respect and in a precise pattern.
Ivan Scott did it the fastest
Ivan Scott from Ireland did sheep shearing the fastest, in 37.90 seconds.
Why We Love Royal Welsh Show
It’s fun
There will be so many activities during the Royal Welsh Show. And that means fun. We can see Atkinson Action Horses, Black Mountain Falconry, Meirion Owen and the Quack Pack, and many more.
To compete
Competing at the Royal Welsh Show is also fun. For those of us from the farming communities who want some competition, there would be competitions for livestock as well as sheep shearing and wool handling.
To grow business
For some of us who are in agricultural businesses, the Royal Welsh Show can be an opportunity to grow our businesses. We can attract new businesses from the farming communities that attend the show.
Royal Welsh Show dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 18 | Monday |
| 2023 | July 24 | Monday |
| 2024 | July 22 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 20 | Monday |
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