The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has played a leading role in the development of agriculture and the rural economy in Wales for over a century, since its formation in 1904.

Today our work includes providing support for business, social welfare and education in rural communities, and the organisation and staging of our ever-popular society events; the Smallholding and Countryside Festival, the Royal Welsh Show  and the Winter Fair.

SMALLHOLDING AND COUNTRYSIDE FESTIVAL

Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys. LD2 3SY

We look forward to seeing you at the next Smallholding & Countryside Festival on 18th & 19th  May 2024.

SHOWGROUND

The 150 acre Royal Welsh Showground is open all year round. We host an array of exciting events set against the spectacular views of the Welsh countryside.

The Showground boasts many different venues catering for a variety of occasions such as weddings, business meetings, conferences, concerts, exhibitions and much more.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has played a leading role in the development of agriculture and the rural economy in Wales for over a century, since its formation in 1904.

Today our work includes providing support for business, social welfare and education in rural communities, and the organisation and staging of our ever-popular society events; the Smallholding and Countryside Festival, the Royal Welsh Show  and the Winter Fair.

Agricultural Societies and Shows have a long and prestigious history and are at the centre of rural communities in Wales.  Each one has an important role in promoting sustainable farming and food production to the wider public and in supporting community cohesion, our culture, and the wellness agenda.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most, if not all, agricultural shows across Wales were cancelled in 2020 and a large number will be cancelled in 2021.

It is important that agricultural show Societies can return to a position of some normality following the pandemic which includes the reintroduction of agricultural shows across Wales.  In 2020, The Welsh Government commissioned a short resilience review of agricultural shows, with a particular focus on the following:

  • What are the issues facing agricultural societies and shows?
  • What support might be necessary to help agricultural societies at this time?
  • How can Societies help each other and the agricultural community?
  • What would help to reinstate the shows next season?

One of the recommendations from the report included the establishment of an ‘innovation fund’ whereby shows of all sizes can apply for financial support to deliver new and innovative solutions to current challenges.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is administering the Agricultural Shows Innovation Fund (the Innovation Fund) on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Funding Pot                     –             £25,000

Application opening       –             18 June 2021.

Closing Date                    –             16 July 2021 at 5pm.

The Agricultural Shows Innovation Fund Guidelines

Application Form