Royal Welsh Show facts for kids
The Royal Welsh Show (Welsh: Sioe Frenhinol Cymru) is a huge yearly event in Wales. It's organized by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, which started in 1904. The show happens every July in Llanelwedd, a place near Builth Wells in Powys, Mid Wales.
The very first show took place in Aberystwyth in 1904. It was so successful that they decided to build a special, permanent showground in Llanelwedd. This new ground was first used in 1963. There were no shows during the World Wars (1915–1918 and 1940–1945). Also, the show was not held in 2020 and 2021, though some events happened online.
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What Happens at the Royal Welsh Show?
This amazing show lasts for four days. More than 200,000 people visit it every year! It's a big boost for tourism in Wales.
Here are some of the exciting things you can see and do:
- Animal Judging: See different kinds of farm animals like cattle, sheep, horses, goats, and pigs. Judges pick the best ones!
- Sheepdog Trials: Watch clever sheepdogs guide sheep around a field.
- Sheep Shearing: See experts quickly remove wool from sheep.
- Horse Riding: Enjoy thrilling horse riding competitions.
- Carriage Driving: Watch displays of teams of horses pulling carriages.
- Falconry: Learn about birds of prey and see them fly.
- Games and Sports: Enjoy fun activities, sometimes including displays from groups like the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.
- Arts and Crafts: Discover beautiful handmade items.
- Live Music: Listen to different bands and performers.
Sometimes, members of the British Royal family visit the show. King Charles III often attended when he was the Prince of Wales. He was even recognized for his great support to farming in 2003, especially after a big farming challenge in 2001.
Business and Farming Connections
Many businesses that work with farming have stands at the show. It's a great chance for them to meet new farmers and connect with their current customers. It's like a big meeting place for everyone involved in agriculture.
Young Farmers' Fun
The Royal Welsh Show is also a very important event for young people from farming families in Wales. The Wales Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs holds many competitions throughout the year. The final rounds of some of their practical contests often happen at the show. These include things like judging livestock and even tractor driving!
The Famous Welsh Cob Class
One of the most popular events is the Welsh Cob Senior Stallion class. This special horse show usually takes place on the Wednesday afternoon of the show, which people call "Welsh Cob Wednesday." Over fifty beautiful Welsh Cob stallions are paraded around the main arena. They trot proudly in front of the crowd before the judges pick the winners.
Getting to the Show by Train
You can get to the show by train! The nearest station is Builth Road, which is on the Heart of Wales Line. During the show, special buses connect the station to the showground, making it easy to get there.
Images for kids
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The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show at Bangor, 1958.
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The Royal Welsh Show 1963, Llanelwedd.
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The Royal Welsh Show 1963, Llanelwedd
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The Presiding Officer of Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament at the 2012 Royal Welsh Show
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