The 2025 Gwenddwr Show returned in style on Saturday, July 16, with perfect summer weather and higher attendance than last year.

Festivities kicked off with the crowning of Show Queen Llinos Jones, joined by Gwesyn Powell and Lisa Williams, all looking charming on the decorated trailer.

This year’s Show Presidents, John and Ruth Hargest, long-time supporters of the event, opened the day with speeches before judging the Carnival. Entries were as creative and varied as ever, with Sophia Thomas taking the top prize dressed as Ozzy Osbourne.

Harri Atkins as Paddington Bear
Harri Atkins as Paddington Bear (.)

The marquee was full of impressive competition entries, with trophies awarded to Kitty Farrell (Craft), Ffion Owen Jenkins (Photography), Celia Jefferies (Flowers), Gillian Morris (Cookery), Gwesyn Powell (Children’s Cookery and Children’s Craft), and Barry Farrell and Bob Earnshaw (joint winners, Garden Produce). Sophie Holloway of Llyswen School won the Mair Winfield prize for creative writing, named in honour of the schoolteacher who founded the Show.

The animal competitions drew large crowds, with more than £1,000 in prize money handed out. Champion dogs were Lexi (Pedigree Overall Champion), shown by Ruth Jones, and Cali (Non-Pedigree Overall Champion), shown by Violet Kidston. The Overall Champion Sheep trophy went to a Suffolk ram lamb belonging to Lewis Gould, while the Witcombe family’s Black Welsh Mountain sheep won the Overall Champion Group. In the Pony Show, champion trophies were awarded to Alfie George (Welsh Mountain) and Libby Staley (Other than Welsh Mountain), with the Overall Winner’s cup going to Mari Davies.

A bumper entry of livestock on display
A bumper entry of livestock on display (.)
Ella-Rose Lewis
Ella-Rose Lewis enjoying the show! (.)

Visitors also enjoyed a wide range of fun activities, from guessing the number of dog biscuits in a bucket - correctly guessed at 555 by Lyn Jones of Llaneglwys - to ‘splat the rat’, ‘hook a duck’, and the popular tombola and Grand Raffle. Children enjoyed a free bouncy castle, circus skills equipment, toys provided by Play Radnor, and glitter tattoos. Food and drink stalls, alongside new market stalls, offered plenty of variety throughout the field. The afternoon ended on a high with the now-legendary Obstacle Race, organised to great acclaim by Toby Powell and friends.

Show President Ruth Hargest with Children's section winner, Gwesyn Jones, and Show Queen, Llinos Jones
Show President Ruth Hargest with Children's section winner, Gwesyn Jones, and Show Queen, Llinos Jones (.)
Geoffrey Jones with the Welsh ram
Geoffrey Jones with the Welsh ram (.)

Looking ahead, the 2026 Gwenddwr Show will mark its 70th anniversary, with special celebrations already in the planning. The organisers expressed their gratitude to the more than 100 volunteers, stewards, advertisers, and sponsors whose support makes the event possible. Set against the stunning Gwenddwr and Crickadarn valley, the Show remains a highlight of the local summer calendar, and organisers look forward to welcoming visitors back next July.