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Business News Wales
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Royal Welsh Show Ceremony Celebrates Culture and Community
Dei Tomos officially opens the Royal Welsh Show The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's flagship event opened with a ceremony celebrating Welsh agriculture, culture and community spirit. Chair of RWAS Council, Nicola Davies reflected on the pivotal role of the society in championing Welsh agriculture and rural life. 'The show is a very important platform to promote the very best of the agricultural industry that we all hold so very dear,' she said. 'It underlines its importance, not only economically, but socially and culturally too.' Mrs Davies paid tribute to this year's feature county, Caernarfonshire, and thanked its fundraising committees for their outstanding work in raising awareness and vital funds to support capital developments at the showground. She acknowledged their dedication, 'ably led' by president, John R. Owen. The Princess Royal with RWAS assistant honorary director for cattle, Meurig James. She also introduced this year's specially commissioned 'Cerdd Groeso' (Welcome Sonet) by celebrated Welsh poet Myrddin ap Dafydd, which she recited during the ceremony. Mr Owen reflected on his family's long-standing connection with the show, stretching back to the 1950s. 'I have no doubt that the founders of the society are looking down in much admiration of today's standards and achievements,' he said. Broadcaster and author, Dei Tomos, officially open the show, which he described as 'the main Welsh festival' for many and emphasised the significance of agriculture to the economic, social and cultural life of the nation. 'One of the most important elements of the Royal Welsh Show is friendship,' he said. He reminisced about his early experiences at the show in the 1980s, first as a news reporter and later as a broadcaster for S4C. He paid tribute to the many individuals who shaped his journey and reflected on the legacy of the event's founders, particularly those who chose Llanelwedd as its permanent home. Mr Tomos also remembered the late Huw Griffith and his shire horses, noting that his grandson, Rhys, now continues that legacy as this year's RWAS Ambassador. Ukrainian Cossaks giving a display in the main ring. Rhys is one of many who follow in the footsteps of previous generations to keep farming and rural life alive in Wales. Dylan Jones, of Castellior, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, was announced as the winner of the prestigious Sir Bryner Jones Memorial Award, which featured the beef industry for the first time in 30 years. A major highlight of this year's show was the official opening of the new Heavy Horse Village, a dedicated area celebrating the legacy and ongoing role of working horses in Welsh agriculture. The village features interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and opportunities for visitors to meet these gentle giants and their handlers, along with new turn-out competition classes. The opening day's main ring programme was headlined by the Ukrainian Cossacks, whose dazzling displays of traditional horsemanship and acrobatics captivated showgoers. Their performance blended cultural storytelling with elite equestrian skill. Additional main ring attractions included the Bolddog FMX display team, the Tristar Carriage and the RAF Falcons Parachute display team. Renowned for its livestock competitions, the show again drew top entries. Cattle, sheep, pigs and horses were judged across multiple classes, reflecting the exceptional quality of breeding and stockmanship in Wales. Judges praised the high standards across all categories, with opening day competitions setting a strong tone for the week ahead. A highlight of the day was the visit of HRH The Princess Royal, who was attending in her capacity as Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RACS) president. After attending the RASC's annual meeting, she toured the showground, engaging with exhibitors and visitors.
Business News Wales
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Memorial Prize Launched at Royal Welsh Show Will 'Nurture Future Broadcasting Talent'
S4C chief executive Geraint Evans and Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Board chair, Professor Wynne Jones A special memorial prize has been launched at the Royal Welsh Show by S4C and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) dedicated to the memory of the well-known farmer and presenter, Dai Jones Llanilar. A talented singer, renowned farmer and presenter of agricultural and entertainment programmes on radio and TV in Wales for more than 50 years, Dai was a popular and much-loved personality. He died in 2022 at the age of 78. The Dai Jones Llanilar Memorial Prize will give one young person the opportunity to work with multimedia production companies Telesgop (Ffermio) and Slam (Cefn Gwlad/Y Sioe) to develop an original idea into a fully formed item, which will then broadcast on S4C's platforms. Dai Jones, Llanilar. Geraint Evans, S4C chief executive, said: 'At S4C, we were keen to establish a prize in memory of Dai and to mark his invaluable contribution to the world of agriculture and the world of broadcasting in Wales. He really was one of the most talented broadcasters on Welsh television. 'We hope that the prize, dedicated to Dai's legacy, will open the door to the world of broadcasting for young people and will nurture future talent while ensuring that we continue to bring fresh and relevant content from the agricultural world in Wales to S4C.' Professor Wynne Jones, RWAS Board chair, said: 'The society is eager to have a special award for young people who are enthusiastic about rural issues and the importance of rural Wales. 'Dai's family are very supportive and are proud to see the media and the Royal Welsh Show working together to create this special opportunity for the next generation of presenters and workers in the field. This award will ensure that Dai's legacy continues for years to come.' To compete for the prize, individuals under the age of 30 must submit an idea, relating to the countryside or agriculture, to Telesgop before October 1. Individuals will also be asked to write a few words about themselves and why they think they should be awarded the prize. A shortlist of applicants will then be invited to present their ideas to a panel of representatives from the RWAS, the Young Farmers, the Ffermio and Cefn Gwlad programme teams and S4C. The winner will be announced at this year's Winter Fair in Llanelwedd o November 24 and 25. Applications no longer than one A4 page, outlining an idea for an item related to the countryside and agriculture., must be emailed to: by 11:59pm on October 1.
Powys County Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Princess Anne and Martin Clunes at Royal Welsh Show
HORSE lovers are in for a real treat at this year's Royal Welsh Show, with two famous faces attending the summer showpiece in Powys. Self-confessed horse fanatic Princess Anne will be coming to the event's opening day in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, while beloved British actor Martin Clunes will be judging the Royal Welsh Supreme Horse Championship, one of the events that brings down the curtain on the show, on its final day. With a little more than a week to go until the Royal Welsh Show begins, activity in and around Builth is building. The show takes place from Monday to Thursday, July 21-24. 'In just two weeks, the 2025 Royal Welsh Supreme Horse Championship will take centre stage in the main ring, and we're thrilled to have actor and horseman Martin Clunes as our judge,' said the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) in a post on its Facebook page this week. 'This prestigious event celebrates the very best of equine excellence. As president of the British Horse Society, Martin brings passion, warmth and a genuine love for horses to the role.' Martin told the BBC: 'I'm slightly nervous, but one thing's for sure, I'll have a smile from ear to ear the whole day.' The Supreme Horse Championship takes place on Thursday at 4.50pm. Known for her love of horses and an equestrian career which saw her compete in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, it will be Princess Anne's seventh visit to the Royal Welsh Show, with her first back in 1981 and her last in 2022. The Princess Royal, the king's sister, will visit the show on the opening day, attending in her capacity as president of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC). Her Royal Highness will participate in the RASC's AGM, held at this year's show, and will then tour the showground. Her return reflects her ongoing support for agriculture and rural life. 'We are absolutely thrilled that the Princess Royal will be joining us at this year's Royal Welsh Show,' said Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the RWAS. 'Her Royal Highness has long been a passionate advocate for agriculture and rural communities. 'We look forward to sharing with her the many highlights of this year's event, including the exciting innovations and developments that have taken place since her last visit.' The RWAS has also this week published details of its new map of the showground, which features for the first time the Heavy Horse Village. 'Freshly designed by Mwydro, a creative business based in Caernarfon, this year's map brings a bold new look while still guiding you to all your show favourites, and something brand new,' said the society. 'Say hello to the Heavy Horse Village, a new addition for 2025 alongside the traditions you know and love. 'Whether you're heading straight for the main ring or the cheese stalls, it's all here. 'Pick one up on arrival – or study it now if you like to plan your route down to the ice cream van.'
Cambrian News
12-07-2025
- General
- Cambrian News
Dei Tomos to open 2025 Royal Welsh Show
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is delighted that Dei, Radio Cymru's trusted former voice of farming and rural affairs, has agreed to perform the ceremony. A household name across Wales, Dei Tomos has reported and reflected on the issues at the heart of Welsh agriculture and its deep significance to the nation for more than 40 years.
Business News Wales
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Organic Agri Pioneers Win Inaugural Award for Contribution to Rural Life
Lord Newborough with Ruth Davies (RWAS Clwyd and Cheshire Advisory Committee Secretary) and Judge Nigel Davies. A 12,500-acre organic farm estate has won a prestigious inaugural accolade for the contribution it has made to rural life. Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate near Corwen, Denbighshire, received The Harry Fetherstonhaugh OBE Award (For Large Business) at the first ever Clwyd and Cheshire Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) Presidents Awards. A celebratory dinner and prizegiving was held at the White House Hotel and Spa, Rhuallt. The theme for 2025 was an individual or business that has made a significant contribution to rural life within Clwyd, and RWAS Members were encouraged to nominate for each category. Lord Newborough said: 'Our place at the heart of the Vale of Clwyd is very special to us, as is the impact we have had for generations on sustainable agriculture and now organic farming. 'We are thrilled and grateful to receive this inaugural award – thank you.' The other accolades – reflecting the three past RWAS Presidents – were The Trebor Edwards Award for the individual who has shown to have made a significant contribution to rural life within Clwyd, won by Eryl Williams, and The R. Gwynn Hughes Award (For Small Business), picked up by J&G Tyres Ltd, Denbigh. The Advisory Committee are looking forward to the Awards becoming an annual event in the diaries of the Clwyd and Cheshire rural community.
