The Royal Welsh Show is one of the best livestock showcases in the UK with enough activities to suit everybody, regardless of age or interest. With locally produced food, drink and entertainment on offer – all of which encompass the spectrum of farming – it’s the perfect place to absorb the Welsh culture. Expect to see some famous faces. The Prince of Wales is no stranger to the show and David Cameron even attended last year’s event.
The first Royal Welsh Show took place in 1904 and was created by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. Since then it has become one of the most important events in the Welsh calendar, attracting in excess of 240,000 people throughout the four days. During the early years it was held in Aberystwyth, but now, due to the widespread popularity of the event, it boasts its own permanent show ground in the picturesque region of Llanelwedd.
Livestock and Entertainment
You don’t have to be a farming enthusiast to admire and appreciate the dedication and skill of rearing farm animals. Along with exhibitions, there will be a horse riding competition, carriage driving displays, falconry, sheep shearing and sheepdog trails, all of which are offer the same thrill and excitement as a good spectator sport. If you’re more of a doer and would like to get involved yourself, there will be plenty of games and friendly competitions for all to enjoy, as well as hands-on arts and crafts workshops.
The most popular event – which draws an international crowd – is the Welsh Cob Senior Stallion class, where more than 50 stallions will parade in front of the crowd before settling down in front of the judges. This event usually takes place on the Wednesday from inside the main arena. The grandstands are always packed to the rafters, so if you want to go, best get there early to secure a decent spot as seating is hard to come by after 10.30am.
The Food Hall
The food hall truly is the pinnacle feature, displaying produce that has been grown, nurtured and packaged within the Welsh boarders. Here you can taste or buy top quality food and drink from some of the country’s best farmers. Yearly food hall highlights include the vast selection of locally produced ice cream and preserves, fresh fish caught off the coasts of Wales, and various homemade confectionery stands. Many of the producers are more than happy to discuss their products with bystanders and possibly even provide a sample or two!
Dates and Tickets
The 2016 Royal Welsh Show will take place between 18th and 21st July. Gates open at 8am each day and close at 8pm in the evening, guaranteeing 12 hours of entertainment. Adult tickets for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are available on the gate for £26 per person, while Thursday tickets are available for £22 per person. Tickets for children aged 5 to 16 are £5 each, while children under 5 enter free of charge.
If you can’t make it to the 2016 Royal Welsh Show, there’s no need to worry! A spring fair will also be taking place on 21st and 22nd May, as well as a winter fair on 28th and 29th November.
Why not make a holiday out of your trip to Wales and stay at our Barmouth Holiday Park this year. Take a look through our accommodation deals and book your trip with us today. We look forward to seeing you.