Brecknock took centre stage as the Royal Welsh Show opened on Monday, with thousands of visitors gathering at Llanelwedd for four days of farming, food and rural celebration.
The 2026 show was officially opened by Major Andrew Butcher MBE, Senior Training Safety Officer at Sennybridge Defence Training Camp, during the traditional opening ceremony.
He was joined by Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chair of council Nicola Davies, president Gethin Havard and guests from across agriculture, government and rural organisations.
The ceremony also welcomed senior political figures from the Welsh and UK Governments, including newly elected First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth MS.
This year marks the fifth time Brecknock has been the Royal Welsh’s Feature County, following previous appearances in 1964, 1980, 1997 and 2012.
The county’s role was celebrated during the opening ceremony, with thanks given to Mr Havard and his family, county advisory committee chair Rob Powell, honorary secretary Shelley Hughes, ambassador Teleri Haf Thomas and the many volunteers involved in the Feature Year.
Recognition was also given to last month’s successful Grassland Event at Cwmbrynich, hosted by the Havard family, which was described as one of the highlights of the county’s year.
Opening the show, Major Butcher praised Welsh agriculture and the rural communities that support it.
“In a rapidly changing world, the importance of agriculture has never been clearer,” he said.
“It is central to our economy, to our environment, and to our food security. But beyond all that, it is central to our identity.”
He added that the Royal Welsh Show “brings town and country together” and provides a place where traditions can be celebrated and shared.
A tribute was also paid to the families of Epynt, who were forced to leave their homes in 1940 to make way for a military training area.
Major Butcher then officially declared the show open, accompanied by a fanfare from the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh.
Among the highlights of this year’s show is the launch of Cynefin, the new Welsh Sheep Village, delivered in partnership between the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and the National Sheep Association.
The village celebrates the people, breeds, products and traditions behind Welsh sheep farming, while showcasing innovation and best practice across the industry.
The Horticulture Village also returned with expert talks, demonstrations and activities, with BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost joining the opening day as guest judge for the Micro Show Garden Competition.
Visitors were also treated to entertainment in the Main Ring, including the Royal Welsh debut of the Shetland Pony Grand National, the Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show, Hawkeye Falconry and the RAF Falcons.
The opening day also featured performances from Britain’s Got Talent winners the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir and a celebration marking 90 years of Wales YFC.
The show continues at Llanelwedd until Thursday.
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