As the 2022 Royal Welsh Show draws to a close, it is safe to say that the last few days have been packed full of sunshine and celebrations as we saw the much-anticipated event return after a long three-year wait.
Once again, the Show has seen crowds of happy show-goers converge in their thousands from across the globe at the showground in Llanelwedd to celebrate the very best of Welsh and British agriculture.
Stealing the show, the livestock certainly took centre stage for the full four-days. The competitions, as always saw a very high standard of entries across all sections and we are privileged to attract exhibitors from far and wide, all hoping to go home with a coveted Royal Welsh rosette. It is often said that the livestock exhibits at the Royal Welsh Show are a display of some of the finest animals in Europe and this year was no exception.
The Honorary Show Director, Richard Price commented on his first Show within the role;
“After the uncertainty at the beginning of the year with regards to COVID and the concerns with the hot weather at the start of the week, I am delighted that we have been able to pull off such a successful Show.”
“The quality of livestock was once again excellent, and it was wonderful to see the Grand Parade in the Main Ring. There was a great atmosphere around the showground and the event was well attended over the four days.”
Key Livestock Results
Supreme Horse Champion
Judged by Mrs Cynthia Higgon
Glynwyn Annie Power, a 6 year old barren mare, bred and exhibited by S & K J Gibbons from Gawthorpe, West Yorkshire.
Supreme Beef Champion
Judged by Mrs R Wyllie
Bownhill Netta a British Blonde Cow & Heifer calf, bred by T M & J Hope exhibited by Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd from Ulverston, Cumbria.
Supreme Champion Dairy Cow
Judged by Mr A Cope
Erie W Brook Lustre EX93, a cow in milk, having calved three times, bred & exhibited by EM & E & IR Morgan.
Natwest Team of Five – beef breeds
Judged by Mr J McMilan
A team of British Limousin Cattle owned by Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd, P R Dawes and Mr Christopher White.
Marks & Spencer Team of Five – dairy breeds
Judged by Mr A Walters
A team of Holstein cattle owned by EM & E & IR Morgan, BB Holsteins & R & B Thomas.
Sheep Champion of Champions
Judged by Mr E Owen
A Suffolk shearling ewe, bred and exhibited by Mr Dafydd Jones from Pennant, Ceredigion.
Pig Supreme Champion
Judged by Mr P M Horsley
Offham Jean 2nd, a Welsh Gilt, bred and exhibited by J & S Harmer from Lewes, East Sussex.
Goat Supreme Champion
Kerbourne Daisymay, bred and exhibited by Mrs T & Miss M Ogborne from Chewstocke, Bristol.
The beautiful Welsh sunshine graced us with its presence all week sending sales of ice creams and sunhats soaring. And making the most of the glorious weather, visitors were thankful for the water refill points dotted around the showground and extra-shaded areas. Not only did the water points serve to keep everyone hydrated in the sizzling heat, but it also helps the Society and the Show reduce the amount of plastic used onsite, which goes towards our commitment to making a positive contribution to the green agenda.
Aside from the competitions, tradestands and 12hrs of non-stop action and attractions each day, the show plays hosts to a large number of visiting dignitaries. This year we were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal to the show.
During her visit, Princess Anne took a tour of the showground with the Honorary Show Director, Richard Price, visiting a variety of areas including the Food Hall, Shearing, the Horticulture Marquee, the livestock rings, and the Main Ring. Upon returning to the President’s Pavilion, Her Royal Highness presented several Society Awards and was given a food hamper of Welsh produce before her departure.
We were also pleased to welcome the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS and the Minister for Environment & Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths MS, as well as the Chief Veterinary Officer, Christianne Glossop.
At this year’s Show, the Society announced its intention to create a lasting tribute to Dai Jones ‘Llanilar’ after his passing earlier this year. Plans are in motion to create a life-size memorial of Dai to be situated permanently in the Cattle Ring to mark his enormous contribution to country life and the Royal Welsh Show. A Just Giving site has been set up to allow individuals who may wish to contribute towards the cost of the life-size statue in tribute to the memory of Dai Jones.
Click here to go to the Just Giving page.
This Royal Welsh Show was particularly special for Chief Executive, Steve Hughson, it being his last show before he retires from the role in September after ten years of service to the Society.
“I am so proud that our show was such a success against the post pandemic background where it seems the whole world has changed. If that wasn’t enough, we had the weather to contend with. Our decision to invest in additional ventilation in the sheep buildings during the pandemic, despite having a reduced income, proved to be the correct one. With avenues full of tradestands, rings full of livestock and of course twelve hours of entertainment from some of the biggest and best acts in the UK, it was no surprise that over the four days over 200,000 attended the Show.”
“We were honoured by the visit of HRH The Princess Royal, who demonstrated her depth of knowledge of farming and rural issues wherever she went. And now as the sun sets on my time at the Royal Welsh, I can look back with pride at what we have achieved and want to thank all those who have been part of that success for their support to this fantastic Society. It is a team effort. Diolch o’r galon”
As we come to the end of the 2022 Royal Welsh Show, we look forward to building on our success and welcoming you back next year on 24-27 July 2023.