Sheep drovers have returned to Hay-on-Wye for the first time in more than a century, in a symbolic procession marking the launch of this year’s Royal Welsh Show programme.

The drovers were part of a launch event held at the Hay Festival site at Dairy Meadows, recreating part of the historic livestock routes once used across Mid Wales.

The procession formed part of a wider celebration of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s plans for this year’s show at Llanelwedd, including developments linked to a new sheep village, “Cynefin”.

It is the first time the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and the Hay Festival have collaborated on an event of this kind. Organisers said the timing was significant, with Brecknock being the host county for this year.

Show President Gethin Havard said;: “Seeing sheep travelling along the old Drovers route again was truly an extraordinarily moving spectacle.”

Aled Rhys Jones, Society Chief Executive, said: “The 250 strong crowd at the event were enthralled with what they saw, and I’m sure they’ll be equally as enamoured with all the other new developments we have waiting for them at this year’s show.”

The event also featured a performance from members of the Young Farmers’ Clubs, marking the organisation’s 90th anniversary. Under the guidance of Ambassador Teleri Haf Thomas, they performed the federation anthem “Bydd Wych”.

With just weeks to go before the 2026 Royal Welsh Show, organisers also confirmed that this year’s event will be officially opened by Major Andy Butcher MBE.

The 2026 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday, July 20 to Thursday, July 23, at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. As one of the most prestigious agricultural events across the whole of Europe, the four-day show is a highlight of the British agricultural calendar.