Record crowds flocked to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Spring Festival at Llanelwedd.
The two-day event showcased the very best of rural Wales against the backdrop of perfect spring weather and the stunning Mid Wales countryside. This year's festival celebrated the RWAS’s Welsh heritage while appealing to a diverse audience from all walks of life.
"We couldn't have asked for better conditions," said John Owen, president of the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon.
"The sunshine brought out record crowds and the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and friendly throughout. It's been the perfect start to Caernarfon's year as feature county."
Geraint James, festival director, said: "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."
RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, added: "This year's Spring Festival has been an outstanding success. 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.”
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 marvelled 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.
"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 refuelled 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.
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 more than 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, more than 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.
The livestock and equine champions were: Supreme beef champion: Glebedale Toblerone, a Beef Shorthorn bull exhibited by Tim Bodily, Monmouth. Reserve: Shelsleys Kwagga exhibited by David Powell, Worcestershire.
In the dairy youngstock category, Salfach Thor Caramel, an in-calf Jersey heifer exhibited by Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys, Carmarthenshire, took the top prize, with Nantgaredig Thor Poppy as reserve, also from Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys.
Molly Edwards of Carmarthenshire was awarded Cattle Young Handler.
The Cattle Breed Tradestand Award went to Ancient Cattle of Wales
The Supreme Sheep Champion was William Evans from Pembrokeshire with a Kerry Hill sheep. The reserve was DCL & CJ Williams of Powys with a Hill Radnor sheep.
Welsh Mountain Sheep won the Sheep Breed Tradestand Award
Among goats, Angora champion was Marchgwyn Evan, exhibited by Stephen Prentice of Carmarthenshire. The reserve was Chrido Gigi, exhibited by Chris Tyler
The Fleece Champion and reserve was Cwmysewrdy Agoras, of Powys.
Sunnymount Zebedee, exhibited by Tim Bee of Monmouth, took the Pygmy champion title. The reserve was Penrhiw Jazz exhibited by Jill Osborne, of Gwent.
In dairy goats, the Supreme Champion was Chatterbox Texas, exhibited by Adrian Bull of Wiltshire. The reserve was Chatterbox Stargazer, also exhibited by Adrian Bull.
In the equine classes, the Supreme Champion was Royal Craftsman, exhibited by Jane Brace from Bridgend, with Silverwoods, shown by Charlotte Elizabeth Arthur of Swansea, as reserve champion.
Full equine and livestock results can be found at: https://rwas.wales/spring-festival/competitions-festival/results-festival/