THERE’S just one week to go until the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd will be bustling with activity again as visitors return to the Smallholding and Countryside Festival.
Taking place next Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, the springtime event is a celebration of rural life and country living with smallholding pursuits at its heart. Tickets are available online and selling fast, so make sure to grab yours now to avoid disappointment.
The festival is a showcase of the real diversity of the Welsh countryside and a great day out for young families, countryside dwellers and anyone with an interest in the great outdoors. With a packed programme of livestock and equine competitions, displays and activities, live music and food and drink, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The smallholder’s centre is the main port of call for those wanting to learn more about the smallholder’s way of life. There will be useful information and talks to get involved in, and the ‘smallholder hub’ – a social area to meet other smallholders, share knowledge and gain advice for those just getting started.
This year organisers welcome garden expert and TV presenter Charlie Dimmock to present a talk on wildlife and water at midday on Saturday in the speakers corner.
For the dog lovers among you, the Welsh Premier Open Dog Show is held at the festival all weekend with the opportunity to see thousands of dogs competing for a chance to qualify for Crufts 2023. You can even bring your own dog along to the event and see how they get on in the Gower dog agility course. For canine entertainment in the display ring, the Rockwood Dog Display are set to delight the audience with their comedy routines and tricks, as well as Meirion Owen and his famous Quack Pack and sheepdogs.
There will be plenty to see and get involved in at the country life area, from forestry competitions, demonstrations, rural sports, and have-a-go activities. Enjoy listening to the live musical performances in the bandstand and watching the Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Group with their historical displays of medieval life.
For those looking for family fun, get involved in the biking activities and obstacle course. Children can give cycling a go and helmets and bikes are provided. Also featured in the country life area, the Panic Family Circus returns to entertain you with circus skill acts and workshops and traditional puppet shows.
The display ring will be jam-packed with displays for your enjoyment, including show jumping, dog displays, BMX bikes and the Welsh Festival Parade of Land Rovers.
The Meirionnydd Shearing Centre will this year be branded as the wool zone to promote the versatility and fabulous creations which can be made out of wool. To include woolhandling competitions, Gwent Guild of Spinners and Weavers, Coleg Sir Gar exhibition, Meirionnydd Vintage Shearing Display and many wool-related tradestands.
Tyfu Cymru will once again be taking over the Members Centre for the Tyfu Cymru Growers Market. Growers will have the opportunity to present and sell their products during the two-day event at the prime location.
It wouldn’t be a Royal Welsh event without showcasing the best food and drink produce that Wales and the border counties have to offer. Come and sample the delicious goods in the renowned Food Hall or take a break and grab some lunch at the street food area.
Tickets for the Smallholding and Countryside Festival are on sale via the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society website, visit https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/272.
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