Hundreds of people gathered in Builth Wells today to catch a glimpse of Prince Charles and Camilla as they re-opened the recently-renovated Strand Hall.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were greeted by cheering children and a collaboration between the Builth Wells Ladies Choir and the Builth male Voice Choir sang upon their arrival. Big crowds lined the roadsides while many people were peering out of upstairs windows in an attempt to get a view.
The royal pair spoke briefly to army and air cadets who were waiting outside Strand Hall before they were shown around the building by the Lord Lieutenant of Powys Dame Shan Legge-Bourke, the High Sheriff of Powys David Price, town councillor Simon John and Powys County Council chairman David Meredith.
The hall, which has been open since 1903, hosted a farmer’s market for the royal occasion including foods and crafts from various local businesses.
The royal couple also enjoyed a musical performance collaboration between Builth Wells and Erwood Young Farmers’ Clubs before unveiling a new plaque.
Ian Jones, 57, who recently took over The Owls bed and breakfast near The Strand, said: "It’s very exciting, we’ve been watching the whole thing from our windows.
"I’m really glad, it’s really good for the town. We’ve only just got outside to have a look now as they’re leaving, we couldn’t even get on our doorstep earlier because of the crowd."
Charles and Camilla arrived in Builth Wells on the train having earlier been to Llandovery where they joined in the 150th anniversary celebrations for the Heart of Wales railway line. After the visit to Builth Wells Prince Charles then went on to the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitors’ Centre in Libanus to learn more about the Get Into Rural Skills programme which is hosted by the Prince’s Trust.
The prince, who was greeted at the visitor centre by Brecon’s deputy mayor Anne Mathias, learned about skills that are taught, the people on the programme and how it helps them in the future.
Charles and Camilla will be visiting Tretower Court and the Corn Exchange in Crickhowell as they continue their Welsh tour tomorrow.