A major new attraction at this year’s Royal Welsh Show is set to turn heads - the brand new Heavy Horse Village, located beside the main horse ring.

The village is the brainchild of Rhys Griffith, this year’s Royal Welsh Ambassador, who runs the Trem-y-Wyddfa Stud in Llanberis and is passionate about sharing the heritage and power of these “gentle giants.”

“I want to bring the knowledge and love of Heavy Horses to more people,” said Rhys.

“I’m grateful that the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is supporting my vision.

“There will be preparations, competitions and a new turnout class. I’m looking forward to meeting Martin Clunes and to showing him around – he knows a lot of people who will be there and will be among friends.”

There will be more than 70 heavy horses entered in various competitions and featuring in displays, with 40 in the in-hand section and 35 in the turn out every day.

On Thursday, acclaimed actor and horseman Martin Clunes will judge the prestigious Supreme Horse Championship in the Main Ring.

“I'm really looking forward to coming to the Royal Welsh Show and coming back to Wales,” said Clunes ahead of the event.

“I love a show, but I've never been to this one before and it sounds epic. I'm absolutely delighted to be judging the supreme horse.

“The serious judging will be done by the serious judges of each horse in its class, so I just get to pick one I like the look of best, which I'm very qualified to do. I can't wait.”

Best known for Doc Martin and more recently Out There, Clunes has served as President of the British Horse Society since 2011 and is a well-known advocate for equestrian welfare and safety.

Director of Horses Chris Davies added: “We are pleased to be bringing some of the biggest and best horses to our new heavy horse village, next to the horse ring.

“There will even be a few higher than 19hh. Everyone loves a heavy horse, so it’s an opportunity to come up close and personal for the first time. It will be a truly majestic sight of our country’s rare breeds and Gentle Giants”.