An eventful and memorable day was enjoyed Sennybridge Show last weekend with tremendous entries all round for the different sections and some fierce competition.

The weather forecast was not looking favourable but the rain managed to hold off for most of the day, creating a great day out.

On Saturday, the showground in Sennybridge saw exhibitors from far and wide arrive early to bring their entries from sheep to horticulture - and everything in between! Entries across the various sections were of excellent standard and it was a joy to watch the classes being judged. There were lots of activities for children with a circus workshop and a funfair. The Presidents of the Show for this year were Anthony and Andrea Ballance of Abercamlais House.

There was plenty to see with an amazing number of tradestands and craft stalls to visit and different attractions to watch throughout the afternoon. The BMX Show, which is the only team in the UK that are able to move in and out of a shared arena, wowed the crowd with their stunts and flying through the air. Three BMX riders took to the ramps to put on a fantastic display with breathtaking stunts that stunned the onlookers. 

There was music by the Band and Drums of Gwent and Powys Army Cadets to entertain throughout the afternoon, starting at the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet stand before performing in the Main Ring. The Band was well received and everyone was amazed to find out that a few members only started a week ago, not picking up an instrument before to then perform to a large audience outside the main marquee.

A woodland arena was created for the Wye Valley Axemen, which was something new for the Show. They provided a display of speed, skill and accuracy using razor sharp axes and saws as they brought to life the lumberjack techniques of years gone by. There were plenty of other attractions to the Main Ring including the Defynnog Vintage Society with a demonstration of tractors circling the ring, along with the parade of hounds by the Sennybridge Hunt.

Here are some of the results for the overall winners from the various sections throughout the day:

The horse section was very well supported with more than 180 entries, both local exhibits and many travelling a good distance. The judges remarked on the superb quality of horses on show throughout the day and it was great to see lots of new classes in the section. The Supreme Champion was won by Sue Harries with Heniarth Persimmon (Section B) and the Reserve Champion went to Lj & Rj Ferris with Rotherdale Hera (Section D). 

There was a total of 410 sheep entered for the Show with fierce competition in every section. The overall Supreme Champion and Lowland Section Champion exhibit was awarded to the Morgan family of Blaencar, with a Texel ram lamb and the Reserve going to C&R Joseph with a Badger Face ewe who also won the Coloured Breed Champion. There was a large number of entrants for the Young Handlers classes from all over the country, well done to all who competed.

Within the Domestic & Handicraft tent the quality and standard of entries was high, with more than 900 entries made up of 134 individuals. There was fabulous support from the local Sennybridge Primary School, the nursery/Meithrin Group and Ti a Fi Group in Crai. These along with all the open classes provided a feast for everyone entering the marquee to observe and admire, as well as the delicious smells from the cookery and preserve classes. There was a new class this year dedicated to metal artwork under 21 years of age in memory of Eifion Price, Nantmadog, with a good number entering making it difficult to judge. The Horticulture section had an array of outstanding flowers and vegetables on display.

The Dog Ring had a busy time with a great turnout of entries for each of the classes ranging from a small terrier to the large Bernese Mountain Dog. 

The full results will be available on the Sennybridge Show website shortly.

After all the activity from the day the attention was turned to the Speed Shear in the evening as the rain became to pour. Everyone enjoyed a spectacle as they crammed into the marquee. The whole event would not be possible without the continued support from everyone including the judges, commentators, helpers, time keepers, scorers and the valued sponsors throughout the day and during the evening.

Well done to all the exhibitors who competed and took part at the show in 2024. Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain and the boggy field the Afternoon Social that was planned for the Sunday had to be cancelled. Hopefully, another event will be organised soon to bring together the community once again and celebrate another successful Sennybridge Show. 

The Devynock Agricultural Society would like to thank everyone for their continued support and for all the volunteers that put on an outstanding show and concert.

See you next year for another exceptional show!