The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has said proposed changes to the school holidays could lead to a £1m loss for the Royal Welsh Show.

Under new proposals by the Welsh Government, the summer break could be reduced by one week, meaning schools would be open during the Royal Welsh Show - which runs during the first week of the school summer holidays.

The RWAS has said it is “strongly opposed” to the proposal to amend the school term dates.

The Royal Welsh Show’s preliminary calculations show changes “would lead to a loss of income in excess of £1m”.

Those calculations are based on “reduced gate sales, membership, and camping revenue”, the society said.

Proposals outlined last year by the Welsh Government would see the summer break reduced by a week.

Under the proposals, one week would be taken from the summer break and added to the autumn half term.

The plans were brought forward by the Labour Welsh Government as part of the cooperation agreement with Plaid Cymru.

The consultation, which is on the Welsh Government’s website, opened in November and closes on February 12 2024.

The proposals, if given backing, will come into effect from September 2025.

One reason for the proposed change is that the current school calendar has an autumn term longer than others.

The Welsh Government has cited research which suggests this term is tiring and challenging for learners and staff, as more teaching is squeezed into it than any other.

The Welsh Government also said that because the summer break is long, time in the autumn term has to be devoted to going over things rather than advancing learning. Teachers also report more behavioural and well-being issues after the summer break.

Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and Welsh language said: “We want to make sure education works best for pupils, teachers, and families. We’re looking for people’s views on these changes and what it would mean for them.”

Royal Welsh Show organisers said “serious financial harm” will be caused if the changes are given the green light.

Almost a quarter of a million people visit the Royal Welsh Show annually and it is considered to be the largest agricultural show of its kind in Europe

Organisers say the economic impact of the event is in excess of £40 million and there is approximately £10 million visitor spend during the event itself.

They say that young people, families, teachers, and school staff represent “a large proportion” of their visitor profile.

As well as the predicted hit of £1m, the RWAS is also concerned about the other consequences of the change.

Organisers said that “thousands of children” compete at the Royal Welsh Show each year, in both young farmer competitions and young handler and junior classes. There are concerns that this proposed change would remove the opportunity for young people to compete at the show, and to learn and showcase their skills.

The society also relies on almost 1,000 volunteers to stage the Royal Welsh Show each year, many of these are families and school teachers who would not be able to attend the show if these proposals come into effect.

The RWAS has said that while it is not against the principle of modifying the school year and understands the sentiment behind the proposals, it is asking the government to “reconsider their proposed dates” so that major events such as the Royal Welsh Show are always in the summer holidays.

Organisers are currently in conversation with Mr Miles, and say they welcome the opportunity to discuss their concerns with the government in more detail.

You can have your say on the school summer holiday dates consultation via a dedicated page on the Welsh Government website: www.gov.wales/structure-school-year

The closing date for responses is February 12.