Libanus & District Sheepdog Trials and Show returned on Bank Holiday Saturday, August 23, with a packed programme of competitions and displays celebrating rural life

The event featured a wide range of activities, from sheepdog trials and sheep shearing to contests for the largest fodder beet, “scarecrow dogs,” working dogs, and horses in fancy dress. Competitors of all ages and abilities came from far and wide, ensuring a busy and competitive day on the fields.

Riders and their horses show off their fancy dress outfits
Riders and their horses show off their fancy dress outfits (.)
Kayleigh Prothero with her sheep cups, including Interbreed Champion
Kayleigh Prothero with her sheep cups, including Interbreed Champion (.)

Inside the show shed, domestic and horticultural classes showcased local artistry, craft, and horticultural skill, with colourful displays attracting plenty of admiration. On the fields, dogs, sheep, and horses competed with their owners for coveted rosettes, while the adjoining field hosted the sheepdog trials, featuring some of the finest handlers and dogs in the country. This year, proceeds from the trials will support the Welsh National Sheepdog Trial, scheduled to take place just outside Libanus in August 2026.

Evan won the Overall Children’s Cup
Evan won the Overall Children’s Cup (.)
Sarah Brooks made a clean sweep of the Domestic Section Cups
Sarah Brooks made a clean sweep of the Domestic Section Cups (.)

The show - which is a celebration of community and rural life, as much as it is competition - relies on a large team of dedicated volunteers to plan and deliver the event each year. From preparation and stewarding to judging and litter collection, volunteers’ efforts are essential to the smooth running of the show. Stewards and judges generously donate their time and expertise, helping maintain the high standards that make Libanus Show a highlight of the local calendar.

Left is the Horse Section Champion right is the Reserve Champion, pictured with judge Mrs M Lewis
Left is the Horse Section Champion right is the Reserve Champion, pictured with judge Mrs M Lewis (.)

One of the enduring strengths of Libanus Show is its role in bringing the community together. Neighbours reconnect, newcomers are welcomed, and intergenerational knowledge is shared. Show presidents Mr and Mrs David Jones of Aberbran embody this spirit, having supported the show for many years and now bringing their children and grandchildren along.

Looking ahead, the Libanus Show aims to continue entertaining and bringing the community together for many years.

2025 results

SHEEP

Tymawr Perpetual Cup - Kayleigh Prothero

Trosnant Perpetual Cup - Kayleigh Prothero

Pontbrengarreg Perpetual Cup - Kayleigh Prothero

Blaenclyn Perpetual Cup - Kayleigh Prothero

Davies Farm Supplies Challenge Cup - D & M Davies

Gwilymllwyd Perpetual Cup - Anna Hewitt

Pengarn Perpetual Tankard - Pittard Family

Valbazan Perpetual Cup - Jill Evans

Penwern Challenge Cup - Shauna Evans

Libanus Cricket Club Cup - Shauna Evans

Ron Jones Greystones Perpetual Cup for Best Male Sheep - Kayleigh Prothero

Abercamlais Arms Perpetual Cup for Best Female - E & M Stephens

Cwmgwgi Cup for best exhibit in show - Kayleigh Prothero

FARM PRODUCE

Cwmgwdi Perpetual Cup - Howard Davies

SHEARING

LOCAL Trophy - Ewan Daniel

OPEN Trophy - Huw Prothero

HORTICULTURE

Ieuan Roberts Perpetual Cup - David Quarrell

The Tom Evans Perpetual Memorial Cup - David Q

Pantcilgatwys Perpetual Cup - Sarah Brooks

The WO Davies Perpetual Cup - Sarah Brooks

GL Williams Junior Horticulture - Evan Brooks

DOMESTIC

Florence Powell Perpetual Cup - Sarah Brooks

Perpetual Cup for Local Exhibitor - Sarah Brooks

St Mary’s Bakery Perpetual Cup - Sarah Brooks

DJ & JL Drew Perpetual Cup - Sarah Brooks

CHILDREN’S

Blaencamlais Perpetual Cup - Darcie

Miss Wilkie Perpetual Cup - Evan

Mr & Mrs I Jones Perpetual Cup - Evan

Mr & Mrs B Powell Perpetual Cup - Evan

Perpetual Cup Given by Mr & Mrs G Williams - Owen

The Stephen Thomas Memorial Trophy - Evan Brooks

YFC

Susan Pritchard Challenge Cup - Shauna Evans

D R Davies Perpetual Cup - Shauna Evans

PONIES

Libanus Motors Perpetual Trophy - Andrea Rogers

WBFA Perpetual Trophy - Carwyn Rees

Pencaefadog Challenge Cup - Sophie Tipping

Llanspyddid & Glyn Ploughing Shield - Chris Hyde