SUNSHINE AND SMILES AT THE 2025 ROYAL WELSH SPRING FESTIVAL
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Spring Festival concluded yesterday following a gloriously sunny weekend that saw thousands of visitors flock to the showground in Llanelwedd. The two-day event, held on 17-18 May, showcased the very best of rural Wales against the backdrop of perfect spring weather and the stunning Mid-Wales countryside.
This year’s Festival, featuring a refreshed name and vibrant new branding incorporating the traditional ‘Brethyn Cymreig’ pattern, celebrated the Society’s Welsh heritage while appealing to a diverse audience from all walks of life.
“We couldn’t have asked for better conditions,” said Mr. John Owen, President of the 2025 Feature County, Caernarfon. “The sunshine brought the crowds, and the atmosphere has been wonderfully relaxed and friendly throughout. It’s been the perfect start to Caernarfon’s year as Feature County.”
Families made the most of the open spaces and variety of activities across the showground. Children were particularly delighted by Will’s Petting Farm and Emma’s Donkeys in the Country Life area, where they could meet and interact with the animals. The Panic Family’s Circus Big Top proved immensely popular, with youngsters and adults alike trying their hand at circus skills.
The Woodville Re-enactment Group transported visitors back to the middle ages with their authentic displays, while the more adventurous enjoyed watersports on the lake or marveled at the impressive stunts from Builth Bulls Biking Activities.
Younger visitors were thrilled by rides in the Mini Off Rovers in the display area, while the educational treasure hunt proved enormously popular. Children received special stamp cards upon arrival and eagerly explored the showground collecting stamps from various stands throughout the festival. Those who completed their cards proudly received ‘Spring Festival Expert’ certificates, creating lasting memories while learning about the diverse aspects of rural life. Separately, downloadable educational resources created in partnership with Twinkl focusing on Native and Rare Breed livestock provided additional learning opportunities for families.
The Festival welcomed hundreds of four-legged visitors alongside their owners. The RWAS Ltd Canine Section’s Crufts qualifier attracted serious competitors, while the Feature County’s Fun Dog Show provided entertainment for casual participants and spectators alike.
Scurry Dogs demonstrations were a highlight in both the display ring and Country Life area, with many visitors taking the opportunity to let their own pets try new skills. Dog-oriented trade stands did brisk business as owners treated their companions to special purchases.
“As someone who’s grown up attending agricultural shows, it’s brilliant to see so many dogs and their owners enjoying the Festival,” said Rhys Griffith, Ambassador for Caernarfon and judge of the Heavy Horse classes. “The Festival has something for everyone – from impressive heavy horses to family pets competing in fun classes. That inclusive atmosphere is what makes this event so special.”
The Gwledd|Feast area became a vibrant hub as visitors relaxed and refueled while enjoying musical entertainment. Wales’s finest street food vendors reported exceptional trade throughout the weekend, while the Food Hall showcased the best of Welsh produce, with many stallholders selling out of their artisanal products by Sunday afternoon.
Many families took advantage of the numerous picnic spots dotted around the showground, enjoying leisurely meals in the sunshine against the picturesque backdrop of the showground and surrounding countryside.
The variety of displays and demonstrations across the showground ensured there was something to interest every visitor. Highlights included the impressive skills of the Wood Choppers and MWMAC, traditional craft demonstrations from Gwent Spinners & Weavers, stick making by Bond Sticks & Stitches, and Gun Dog displays by the BASC.
The improved Wool Zone attracted significant interest, as did the Vintage Machinery and Vintage Tools displays, which offered a nostalgic glimpse into rural life of yesteryear.
In the display ring, Joseph’s Amazing Camels, the Gentle Giants & Friends Shire Horse display team, and Meirion Owen and his Sheepdogs provided spectacular entertainment throughout the weekend.
The Festival showcased an impressive array of livestock, with over 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, over 250 goats, and almost 800 horses, ponies, and donkeys entered in competitions. New classes this year included Red Poll and Dexter cattle and Castle Moorit Sheep.
Livestock & Equine Champions:
Supreme Beef Champion: GLEBEDALE TOBLERONE a Beef Shorthorn bull, exhibited by Tim Bodily, Monmouth
Reserve: SHELSLEYS KWAGGA exhibited by David Powell, Worcestershire
Dairy Youngstock
Champion: SALFACH THOR CARAMEL an In-calf Jersey heifer, exhibited by Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys, Carmarthenshire.
Reserve: NANTGAREDIG THOR POPPY also from Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys, Carmarthenshire.
Cattle Young Handler: MOLLY EDWARDS, Carmarthenshire
Cattle Breed Tradestand Award: Ancient Cattle of Wales
Supreme Sheep Champion: WILLIAM EVANS, PEMBROKESHIRE (Kerry Hill)
Reserve: DCL & CJ WILLIAMS, POWYS (Hill Radnor)
Sheep Breed Tradestand Award: Welsh Mountain Sheep
Goats
Angora
Champion: MARCHGWYN EVAN exhibited by Stephen Prentice, Carmarthenshire
Reserve: CHRIDO GIGI exhibited by Chris Tyler
Fleece: Champion & Reserve CWMYSEWRDY ANGORAS, POWYS
Pygmy
Champion: SUNNYMOUNT ZEBEDEE exhibited by Tim Bee, Monmouth
Reserve: PENRHIW JAZZ exhibited by Jill Osborne, Gwent
Dairy Goats
Supreme Champion: CHATTERBOX TEXAS
Reserve: CHATTERBOX STARGAZER both exhibited by Adrian Bull, Wiltshire
Equine
Supreme Champion: ROYAL CRAFTSMAN exhibited by Jane Brace, Bridgend
Reserve: Silverwoods, exhibited by Charlotte Elizabeth Arthur, Swansea.
Full Equine and Livestock results can be found on the RWAS website.
Mr. Geraint James, Festival Director, expressed his delight with the event: “We’ve worked extremely hard to create an inclusive festival that balances agricultural heritage with family entertainment, and this year’s attendance figures confirm we’re moving in the right direction. The refreshed branding and expanded activities have attracted visitors from across Wales and beyond. What’s particularly gratifying is seeing people from all backgrounds coming together—from farming families sharing their expertise to first-time visitors discovering rural Welsh culture and traditions. This festival truly bridges the gap between rural and urban communities.”
The Society’s Chief Executive, Aled Rhys Jones, added: “This year’s Spring Festival has been an outstanding success. The refreshed branding and approach has been well-received, and the glorious weather certainly helped showcase the Festival at its best. The relaxed, family friendly atmosphere that makes this event so special was evident throughout the weekend, and we’re extremely grateful for all the support we’ve received from our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers. Our attention now turns to the Royal Welsh Show and we hope to see everyone back on the showground in July.”
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society would like to thank all volunteers, stewards, exhibitors, trade stand holders, and visitors who contributed to making the 2025 Spring Festival such a memorable event.