ROYAL Welsh Show chiefs have welcomed a decision by the Welsh Government to scrap plans to shorten the school summer holidays in Wales – which has threatened the future of the event.
As part of new proposals announced by the Welsh Government in January, the summer break for Welsh school pupils would have been reduced by one week from 2026 and added to the one-week break in October – meaning schools would still be open during the Royal Welsh Show, which has always traditionally taken place during the first week of the summer break.
That had caused uproar among the Welsh agricultural community – which flocks to the iconic event at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, with crowds of more than 200,000 attending the prestigious four-day spectacle.
Show organisers the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) are still awaiting clarification regarding the situation in the long term – as the Welsh Government has only said it is icing plans for a restructuring of the school holidays in Wales until the end of the current Senedd term, due to end in 2026.
It is not yet clear if the government intends to re-consult on the structure of the school year after 2026.
Welcoming the news, Aled Rhys Jones, RWAS chief executive said: “If our show had been forced to happen whilst Welsh children were still at school, its future viability would be in question.
“It’s the biggest event of its kind in Europe and contributes massively to Welsh culture and the economy.
“With pupils now free to attend the show, we can continue to provide them with the same valuable extra-curricular experiences and opportunities which we have always done.
“We can continue to be partners in educating our young people.”
The news has been welcomed by teaching groups, who had branded the original idea a “waste of time”.
The show’s supporters insist they had not objected to the Welsh Government consulting on the structure of the school year; their ask was that any changes did not harm the event.
The consultation meant the Royal Welsh Show was in danger of taking place while Welsh schools remained open, which would have prevented children and families from attending, and consequently have a huge financial impact on the event and jeopardise its future.
Following the government’s U-turn, Welsh schools will now be closed as usual while the show is on, with this year’s Royal Welsh Show kicking off in just under seven weeks’ time.
“We are extremely grateful to all our members for voicing their objection to the Welsh Government's consultation,” said chair of the RWAS council, Nicola Davies.
“Their response proved that our festival is one that is appreciated by town and country residents alike.
“No-one will now be deprived the opportunity to attend the show, and the show will not be deprived its part in developing a prosperous Wales.
“But should the show’s existence be questioned again in the future, we’re confident that our loyal members would mount a further protection campaign.”
Education secretary Lynne Neagle said: “Opinion was hugely divided on this.
“To ensure we get this right, we need to continue listening to and engaging with schools, teachers, unions as well as children, young people and parents on how best we can implement any changes in the future.”
The 2024 Royal Welsh Show will be held from Monday-Thursday, July 22-25 2024.
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