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.

Steve Colley ‘ShowTime’ Motorbike Stunt Show

The Steve Colley Motorbike Stunt Show consists of a full range of freestyle tricks, spectacular stunts, 7ft vertical step, mono bike (the only trials rider in the world to master this stunt), jumps and drops, all combined with full commentary from Steve himself whilst carrying out the stunts! This spectacular show is guaranteed to wow the crowd.

Steve’s achievements include:

  • 3 times Word Champion (TDN)
  • 3 times British Solo Trials Champion
  • 4 times winner of Scottish Six Days Trial

Little Nippers Lurcher and Terrier Show

Phill Gibbons and his team from Ridgeside invite you to see their fantastic lurchers and terriers do what comes naturally to them.

In the arena they will race at full speed chasing the electric lure. They offer a fast action-packed demonstration with an informative and humorous commentary by Phill.  The public will have the chance to “have a go” with their own dogs – whatever their breed!

The Hackney Horse & Pony Driving Display

The Hackney Horse Society was formed in 1883 by a group of individuals who were keen to promote the breeding of Hackneys.  The Hackney Horse & Pony are currently classified as “critical” on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s List.

The Hackney is a very versatile breed of horse and pony.  It is more well know for pulling wagons and carts but is getting recognised more in the fields of eventing, riding, scurrying and endurance.  Lots more to come from this amazing breed.

Come and watch the drivers demonstrate the amazing elegance of this wonderful breed. They love crowd participation so clap and cheer as much as you can when you see them in the ring!

M.A.D Team – Mountain Bike Aerial Display

The UK’s No.1 Mountain Bike Tricks, Stunts and Skills Team has wowed crowds worldwide since 1996. The M.A.D Team is made up of the UK’s top riders, including former World and British Champions, who will amaze the audience with flips, spins, hops, balancing tricks, and other M.A.D stunts, accompanied by their own slick and funny professional commentator.

Rider TV appearances include Britain’s Got Talent, Blue Peter, C4 and The Extreme Sports Channel.

Welsh Festival of Land Rovers

The South Wales Land Rover Club (SWLRC) has once again teamed up with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society to bring you the Welsh Festival of Land Rovers to this years Smallholding and Countryside Festival.

We have seen some spectacular vehicles registered previously and we’d love nothing more than to have your vehicle on display to help make it bigger and better.

For further information or to register please visit; welshfestivaloflandrovers.com

Gentle Giants Shire Horses

Come and meet Gentle Giants, Joe and Frankie, at this year’s Smallholding and Countryside Festival, located near to the Welsh Pony & Cob Society Pavilion.

Learn about the historic Shire Horse Breed and the work that they do today. Standing 18hh tall, both Joe and Frankie look forward to meeting all of the visitors and to receiving lots of attention and cwtches during the event!

The Wool Zone

The Meirionnydd Shearing Centre will once again become the Wool Zone; an area to help promote the versatility and fabulous creations which can be made of out wool.

To include Woolhandling and Blade Shearing Competitions, demonstrations from the Gwent Guild of Spinners and Weavers, Meirionnydd Vintage Shearing Display and many wool related tradestands.

Farming Connect Horticulture

Farming Connect Horticulture will be taking over the Members Centre for the Growers Market, where growers will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise and showcase and sell their products during the two-day event.

Farming Connect are looking for growers representing a cross section of the horticulture industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of the Welsh Horticulture Industry.

For further information, please contact Rachel Thomas on 01982 552 646 or email rachel.thomas@lantra.co.uk

Country Life Area

Live music from the Bandstand

Visitors can enjoy some of the local talent from the Bandstand during the two day event.

There will be an array of musical performers including Welsh folk music, acoustic and Ceilidh bands and singers and guitarists.

See the full timetable of acts here.

Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Group

The Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Group are a living history and battle re-enactment group covering the Wars of the Roses. Founded in Hampshire in the early 1990s the group now draws members from all over the UK.

Living history is a period display of daily life. The Woodville’s often portray life in a fifteenth century military camp. From the point the display opens to the point visitors leave, the camp remains authentic. This includes the clothing worn, food eaten, and the activities and crafts displayed.

Whether you are a history buff or not, you will learn lots and have fun when you visit The Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Group.

Panic Family Circus

Returning to the Festival with his team of versatile performers, Professor Elmo is committed to his people-friendly and child-centred style of new wave non-animal circus and clown theatre, steeped in the continuously evolving tradition of travelling circus.

With over 40 years experience Panic proudly presents the Panic Family Circus where kids (and adults) will be entertained for hours with the circus skill workshops, walkabout circus acts, and traditional puppet shows.

Pentre Pop-Up Farm

Pentre Farm will be bringing along a variety of small farm animals to the Smallholding and Countryside Festival, including Shetland Ponies, goats and kids, lambs, rabbits and guinea pigs. There will also be a Forest School discovery area with craft and sensory activities.

Come along to meet the friendly animals and have fun!

The Premier Open Dog Show (Crufts Qualifier)

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Ltd Canine Section are delighted to have been granted ‘Premier Open Show’ status for the thirteenth time. Come and see over 1,000 dogs hoping to qualify for Crufts!

The Premier Open Show is one of the big attractions for visitors to Festival when many prize winning dogs will go on to join over 20,000 other top dogs which will appear at the famous Crufts show in 2024.

There are more than 200 breeds in Britain and dogs of all shapes, sizes and colours will be appearing at the Festival.

Glamorgan Feature County Fun Dog Show

The RWAS Feature County of Glamorgan will be hosting a novelty Fun Dog Show at the Festival!

Does your pup have the waggiest tail? Is your canine companion the best working dog? Or maybe your pooch looks the most like its owner! If so then this competition is for you.

Competitions will commence at 12.30pm each day (Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May) and will run consecutively. Entry fees are £2 per class. Enter on the day in the Country Life Area 30 minutes before start time.

Builth Bulls Biking Activities

Biking obstacle course and activities for kids hosted by Builth Bulls Cycling Club. Children can give cycling a go, no need to bring anything with you! Helmets and bikes provided and your children will be shown how its done.

Two sessions will be held each day of the event from 10.00am – 12.30pm and 2.00pm – 4.30pm.

Other exhibits at the Country Life Area:

  • BASC Gun Dogs Demonstration (British Association for Shooting and Conservation)
  • British Army Health and Fitness
  • Donkey Encounter (Emma’s Donkeys Llanidloes)
  • Forestry – Woodchopping Competition
  • Country Sports and Activities
  • Amazing Alpacas