FARMERS in the heart of west Wales sheep country will be discussing the fragile future of their way of life at Llandovery Sheep festival in September.

Llandovery itself has a long history of drovers driving sheep through the town but there are fears for the future of sheep farming in the current climate emergency.

Panelists and guests will discuss the future of sheep farming and sheep and their contribution to solving the changes to the climate in a Sheep and the Climate Crisis Forum at the festival which takes place on September 16 and 17.

The forum itself will be in the Castle Hotel from 11am on Saturday, September 16, and everyone is welcome to attend to hear the panellists speak and take part in the debate.

Alan New, a member of the Llandovery Climate Action Group, who is organising the event on behalf of the festival, said: “Sheep farming is seen to be in trouble. Markets for sheep products are more difficult to access, food habits are changing to a plant-based diet, wool has little commercial value and sheep are seen as detrimental to the environment.

"Welsh sheep farmers have reported problems rearing livestock thanks to the recent extreme summer weather. Experts have suggested that climate change could potentially wreck traditional sheep farming in Wales.

"The Llandovery Sheep Festival is the perfect event to start this open and honest discussion about whether sheep could be a sustainable part of the solution to the climate crisis.”

The panellists for the forum will discuss whether sheep farming can be a part of the solution to climate change

The festival itself will be a celebration of rural crafts, food and entertainment, held in the town centre. The weekend-long event will also celebrate old drovers’ trails, sheep farming and the wool industry.

Chairman Rachel Everett said: “Events such as this are important to the agricultural community, not only in terms of bringing people together, but also in terms of showcasing the best of local produce, goods and services.

"The concept behind this community-led festival is to showcase the best of Llandovery, to share its cultural identity and historical past through the promotion of the wool industry and the local farming economy. This year’s packed programme will certainly not disappoint and will have something for everyone.”

The town’s Market Square and Castle car park will be a kaleidoscope of colour during the event in September with almost 100 exhibitors displaying their wares from textiles, arts and crafts to locally produced food and drink.

The streets of Llandovery will be packed with entertainment and music. There will also be a wide range of workshops and courses.

Rachel wants to bring people together to make this year’s Festival as inclusive as possible. If you would be interested in sponsoring the event or volunteering to help please get in touch. Email: info@llandoverysheepfestival.co.uk