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Powys County Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Thousands visit Royal Welsh Spring Festival in Llanelwedd
Thousands of visitors attended the Royal Welsh Spring Festival at the Llanelwedd showground. The event on May 18 to 18, showcased the best of rural Wales, which was blessed with sunny weather, featured a variety of activities and attractions for all ages. Mr John Owen, president of the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon, said: "We couldn't have asked for better conditions. "The sunshine brought out record crowds, and the atmosphere has been wonderfully relaxed and friendly throughout. "It's been the perfect start to Caernarfon's year as feature county." The festival, which was rebranded this year with the 'Brethyn Cymreig' pattern, aimed to celebrate the society's Welsh heritage while appealing to a diverse audience. Families enjoyed the open spaces and activities across the showground, with children particularly delighted by Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys in the Country Life area. The Panic Family's Circus Big Top also proved popular, with visitors trying their hand at circus skills. The Woodville Re-enactment Group transported visitors back to the Middle Ages with their authentic displays, while the more adventurous enjoyed watersports on the lake or marvelled at the impressive stunts from Builth Bulls Biking Activities. Younger visitors were thrilled by rides in the Mini Off Rovers in the display area, while the educational treasure hunt proved enormously popular. Children received special stamp cards upon arrival and eagerly explored the showground collecting stamps from various stands throughout the festival. Those who completed their cards proudly received 'Spring Festival Expert' certificates, creating lasting memories while learning about the diverse aspects of rural life. The festival also welcomed hundreds of four-legged visitors alongside their owners. The RWAS Ltd Canine Section's Crufts qualifier attracted serious competitors, while the feature county's Fun Dog Show provided entertainment for casual participants and spectators alike. Rhys Griffith, ambassador for Caernarfon and judge of the Heavy Horse classes, said: "As someone who's grown up attending agricultural shows, it's brilliant to see so many dogs and their owners enjoying the festival. "The festival has something for everyone - from impressive heavy horses to family pets competing in fun classes. "That inclusive atmosphere is what makes this event so special." The Gwledd|Feast area became a 'vibrant hub' as visitors relaxed and refuelled while enjoying musical entertainment. The festival showcased an impressive array of livestock, with over 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, over 250 goats, and almost 800 horses, ponies, and donkeys entered in competitions. Mr Geraint James, festival director, said: "We've worked extremely hard to create an inclusive festival that balances agricultural heritage with family entertainment, and this year's attendance figures confirm we're moving in the right direction. "The refreshed branding and expanded activities have attracted visitors from across Wales and beyond. "What's particularly gratifying is seeing people from all backgrounds coming together—from farming families sharing their expertise to first-time visitors discovering rural Welsh culture and traditions. "This festival truly bridges the gap between rural and urban communities." The society's chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, added: "This year's Spring Festival has been an outstanding success. "The refreshed branding and approach has been well-received, and the glorious weather certainly helped showcase the festival at its best. "The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that makes this event so special was evident throughout the weekend, and we're extremely grateful for all the support we've received from our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers. "Our attention now turns to the Royal Welsh Show and we hope to see everyone back on the showground in July." Wales's 'finest' street food vendors reported 'exceptional' trade throughout the weekend, while the Food Hall showcased the best of Welsh produce, with many stallholders selling out of their artisanal products by Sunday afternoon.
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Royal Welsh Spring Festival Unveils Weekend Programme
Organisers of this coming weekend's 2025 Royal Welsh Spring Festival (May 17-18) have revealed a programme of events, competitions and entertainment aimed at visitors of all ages. The festival marks the first event in the calendar for the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon, represented by president, John Owen and ambassador, Rhys Griffith. The main display ring will host a packed timetable of competitions and demonstrations, including dog scurry demonstrations by Scurry Dogs, camel racing with Joseph's Amazing Camels, the Gentle Giants & Friends Shire Horse display team and Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs. Traditional showjumping, scurry driving and show and working hunter competitive classes round off the programme. The Country Life area offers a wealth of experiences, with the Woodville Re-enactment Group transporting visitors back to the Middle Ages. Children can enjoy close encounters with animals at Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys, whilst the Panic Family's Circus Big Top offers opportunities to develop circus skills. Water sports enthusiasts can participate in activities on the lake, whilst the Builth Bulls Biking Activities team will demonstrate cycling feats. Wood Choppers and MWMAC will be giving forestry-based demonstrations. Younger visitors can take part in rides on the Mini Off Rovers in the dedicated display area. The RWAS Ltd Canine Section has organised a Crufts qualifier accredited dog show, whilst less competitive pets can participate in Caernarfon's Fun Dog Show. Numerous dog-oriented trade stands will offer treats and accessories and Scurry Dogs in the Country Life area provide an opportunity for dogs to try new skills. The livestock competitions continue to grow, with more than 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, over 250 goats and almost 800 horses, ponies and donkeys entered. New classes this year include Red Poll and Dexter cattle and Castle Moorit Sheep. Representatives from livestock breed societies will be available to share information about their cattle and sheep, including the Ancient Cattle of Wales, which have recently been awarded Rare Breed status by the Rare Breed Survival Trust. The improved Wool Zone offers a variety of demonstrations from the Gwent Spinners & Weavers and Goat to Garment, while visitors can also watch the craftsmanship of stick making by Bond Sticks & Stiches and wooden stool creation by Taylor Made. Additional demonstrations include gun dog displays by the BASC, bushcraft and First Aid by Learn Outdoors, traditional rope making and much more across the showground. The Smallholders Centre offers attractions for all ages, including a pets' corner and storytelling for children, with Foster Wales providing indoor activities for younger visitors. Those interested in smallholding can receive tips and advice from the 'Getting Started' stand and the Glamorgan Smallholders or discover new skills from Smallholding Courses Wales. Cheese making demonstrations and beekeeping information from the Welsh Beekeeper Association and Brecon and Radnor Bee Keepers are just some of the other stalls to visit in the Smallholders Centre. Gardening enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the Farming Connect Growers Market and a variety of specialist stalls. Visitors can refuel at the Gwledd|Feast area whilst enjoying musical entertainment and sampling some of Wales's finest street food. The Food Hall offers opportunities to taste and purchase produce from Wales's top food and drink producers. Alternatively, guests are welcome to bring picnics, with plenty of seating areas available throughout the Countryside Living areas and around the display and competition rings. In an educational initiative, the RWAS has partnered with Twinkl to produce downloadable learning resources for children, focusing on the Native and Rare Breed livestock at the Festival. Families can collect stamp cards at the entrance and explore the livestock areas to learn more about these special breeds from their owners. Finally, a nostalgic Vintage Machinery and Vintage Tools display will transport visitors back to a bygone era, celebrating Wales's rich agricultural heritage.
Powys County Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Royal Welsh Spring Festival comes to Powys next weekend
WITH just one week to go until the 2025 Royal Welsh Spring Festival, organisers have revealed an exciting programme of events, competitions and entertainment for visitors of all ages. This year's festival, taking place over the weekend of May 17-18, marks the first event in the calendar for the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon. The main display ring will host a packed timetable of competitions and demonstrations, including thrilling dog scurry demonstrations by Scurry Dogs, exotic camel racing with Joseph's Amazing Camels, the majestic Gentle Giants & Friends Shire Horse display team and the always-popular Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs. Traditional showjumping, scurry driving and show and working hunter competitive classes round out the programme. The Country Life area offers a wealth of experiences, with the Woodville Re-enactment Group transporting visitors back to the Middle Ages. Children can enjoy close encounters with animals at Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys, while the Panic Family's Circus Big Top offers opportunities to develop circus skills. Water sports enthusiasts can participate in activities on the lake, while the Builth Bulls biking activities team will demonstrate impressive cycling feats. Wood Choppers and training providers MWMAC will be giving forestry-based demonstrations. Younger visitors will delight in rides on the Mini Off Rovers in the dedicated display area. Dog lovers are particularly well catered for this year. The RWAS Ltd canine section has organised a prestigious Crufts qualifier accredited dog show, while less competitive pets can participate in Caernarfon's Fun Dog Show, and Scurry Dogs in the Country Life area provide an opportunity for dogs to try new skills. The livestock competitions continue to grow, with over 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, over 250 goats and almost 800 horses, ponies and donkeys entered. The improved Wool Zone offers a variety of demonstrations from the Gwent Spinners & Weavers and Goat to Garment, while visitors can also watch the craftsmanship of Stick Making by Bond Sticks & Stiches and wooden stool creation by Taylor Made. Additional demonstrations include gun dog displays by the BASC, bushcraft and First Aid by Learn Outdoors, traditional rope making and much more. The Smallholders Centre will be home to a Pets' Corner and storytelling for children, with Foster Wales providing indoor activities for younger visitors. Cheese making demonstrations and beekeeping information are just some of the other stalls to visit. Gardening enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the Farming Connect Growers Market. Visitors can refuel at the Gwledd|Feast area while enjoying musical entertainment and sampling some of Wales's finest street food. The Food Hall offers opportunities to taste and purchase produce from Wales's top food and drink producers.
