Thousands visit Royal Welsh Spring Festival in Llanelwedd

Thousands of visitors attended the Royal Welsh Spring Festival at the Llanelwedd showground.
The event on May 18 to 18, showcased the best of rural Wales, which was blessed with sunny weather, featured a variety of activities and attractions for all ages.
Mr John Owen, president of the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon, said: "We couldn't have asked for better conditions.
"The sunshine brought out record crowds, and the atmosphere has been wonderfully relaxed and friendly throughout.
"It's been the perfect start to Caernarfon's year as feature county."
The festival, which was rebranded this year with the 'Brethyn Cymreig' pattern, aimed to celebrate the society's Welsh heritage while appealing to a diverse audience.
Families enjoyed the open spaces and activities across the showground, with children particularly delighted by Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys in the Country Life area.
The Panic Family's Circus Big Top also proved popular, with visitors trying their hand at circus skills.
The Woodville Re-enactment Group transported visitors back to the Middle Ages with their authentic displays, while the more adventurous enjoyed watersports on the lake or marvelled at the impressive stunts from Builth Bulls Biking Activities.
Younger visitors were thrilled by rides in the Mini Off Rovers in the display area, while the educational treasure hunt proved enormously popular.
Children received special stamp cards upon arrival and eagerly explored the showground collecting stamps from various stands throughout the festival.
Those who completed their cards proudly received 'Spring Festival Expert' certificates, creating lasting memories while learning about the diverse aspects of rural life.
The festival also welcomed hundreds of four-legged visitors alongside their owners.
The RWAS Ltd Canine Section's Crufts qualifier attracted serious competitors, while the feature county's Fun Dog Show provided entertainment for casual participants and spectators alike.
Rhys Griffith, ambassador for Caernarfon and judge of the Heavy Horse classes, said: "As someone who's grown up attending agricultural shows, it's brilliant to see so many dogs and their owners enjoying the festival.
"The festival has something for everyone - from impressive heavy horses to family pets competing in fun classes.
"That inclusive atmosphere is what makes this event so special."
The Gwledd|Feast area became a 'vibrant hub' as visitors relaxed and refuelled while enjoying musical entertainment.
The festival showcased an impressive array of livestock, with over 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, over 250 goats, and almost 800 horses, ponies, and donkeys entered in competitions.
Mr Geraint James, festival director, said: "We've worked extremely hard to create an inclusive festival that balances agricultural heritage with family entertainment, and this year's attendance figures confirm we're moving in the right direction.
"The refreshed branding and expanded activities have attracted visitors from across Wales and beyond.
"What's particularly gratifying is seeing people from all backgrounds coming together—from farming families sharing their expertise to first-time visitors discovering rural Welsh culture and traditions.
"This festival truly bridges the gap between rural and urban communities."
The society's chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, added: "This year's Spring Festival has been an outstanding success.
"The refreshed branding and approach has been well-received, and the glorious weather certainly helped showcase the festival at its best.
"The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that makes this event so special was evident throughout the weekend, and we're extremely grateful for all the support we've received from our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers.
"Our attention now turns to the Royal Welsh Show and we hope to see everyone back on the showground in July."
Wales's 'finest' street food vendors reported 'exceptional' trade throughout the weekend, while the Food Hall showcased the best of Welsh produce, with many stallholders selling out of their artisanal products by Sunday afternoon.

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