The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) held its official launch of the 2024 Royal Welsh Show at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth last week.

With just over a month to go before the Royal Welsh Show, RWAS board members, Ceredigion advisory committee members, key sponsors, media partners, industry representatives and supporters came together to hear about what’s in store for this year’s event.

The Royal Welsh Show takes place from Monday, July 22 to Thursday, July 25 at the iconic showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

The Society has always been proud of its heritage and with this year being a major milestone in its history – the 120th anniversary since its formation – it “felt right” to bring the launch to Aberystwyth, the site of the very first show which was held in 1904. “Where better for a Cardi to celebrate such a milestone than the place where our story started?” said RWAS Chair of Council, Nicola Davies.

“And we are most grateful to the National Library of Wales for assisting us as we tell our story.” The objective of the Royal Welsh Show was originally to roam the length and breadth of Wales, traveling from north to south in turn. As it became necessary to have a permanent location, Llanelwedd in Mid Wales was decided upon, and the Show was first held at the Royal Welsh Showground in 1963. Thanks to the unique structure of the feature county system, each county retains ownership of the Society, and this year Ceredigion takes the lead.

During the launch, attendees heard from National Library of Wales Archivist, Rhys Davies, a farmer’s son from Ceredigion, who said a few words about the artefacts on display and the history of local agricultural societies in Ceredigion.

As well as the launch of the show, the day also marked the opening of a new exhibition at the Library – “Tipyn o Sioe”, a collection of photographs that portray how both the show and agriculture have evolved over the decades. The exhibition will be open throughout the summer and features the work of documentary photographers, Geoff Charles and Arvid-Parry-Jones.

Each year, one of the 12 traditional counties of Wales takes their turn to sponsor the Show and this year it’s Ceredigion’s turn with Denley Jenkins of Pantyrodyn Farm as the President. Denley was next to take to the stage, and commented on what a huge personal honour it is to be President.

Show Director, Richard Price also highlighted some of the new attractions in store this year, including the return of the horticulture section.

“We will be launching our new Horticultural Village which will be a celebration of community and commercial growing,” he said.

“It will boast two competition marquees, one for fruit and veg and one for floral art, a new skills and learning hub called Dysgubor, a sensory garden, micro show gardens, commercial stands and a food and drink court.”

The new Horticultural Village will be opened by Sue Kent - a highly respected gardening specialist, best known for becoming an award-winning television presenter on BBC Gardener’s World.

Along with horticulture, the RWAS is delighted to see the return of the poultry section this year.

A strong entry across all livestock sections is expected, with almost 7,000 animals being exhibited over the four days. Equine entries are up on last year, with several new equine classes being introduced.

Also performing in the main ring will be a Heavy Horse Display, a breathtaking performance as the horses move around the ring choreographed to music, and the much-loved JCB Dancing Diggers, returning for the first time since 2010.