Seasonal festivities amid all the fun of the fair
> Elliw and Owain Roberts, of Brynsannan, Llantrisant, Anglesey, make sure their Lim X Super Sunday is presentable for the show ring on the opening day of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
It’s getting dark early, Christmas is around the corner and Black Friday deals are sprouting everywhere. For many, however, the festive season really begins with a trip to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells, Powys.
Held over two days (concluding today), it is ostensibly a fatstock show for farmers but in reality offers much else besides.
New this year is a Welcome Centre with a cafe, toilets, free Wi-Fi and a selection of trade stands.
The food hall at the Winter Fair attracts producers from all over Wales and some from further afield.
This year 62 exhibitors have booked trade stands, from veterans like Snowdonia Cheese Co to newcomers such as North Star Distillery.
The Cywain stand will be showcasing 10 new food and drink businesses from Wales, offering everything from pheasant to honey, chocolates, burgers and preserves. Many exhibitors will be offering tempting tasters as well as Christmas gifts.
There is also a farmers’ market, seating and demonstrations.
For many, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair provides a launchpad for the festive season. Over the two days, fairy lights, tinsel, carols and mince pies provide plenty of Christmas spirit. Expect to see Santa hats and red-nosed reindeers across the showground.
The horse show always attracts a big entry, while the poultry and hound shows are equally popular with visitors.
And it’s not just animals – the Winter Fair hosts a huge variety of different competitions. A vast entry of cookery, produce, crafts and floral art exhibits is always worth a look, if only to marvel at the skill involved.
In the International Pavilion there will be demonstrations of sugarcraft and floral art, alongside a fashion show each day.
And there’s much more besides, including competitions for butchery, meat hampers and dressed poultry.
For those unable to visit, S4C’s cameras will provide wall-to-wall coverage – and veteran presenter Dai Jones has given his thoughts on some of the main attractions.
He said: “Competing is such a big part of the culture at the Winter Fair. You can make a name for yourself – winning a certificate at the fair is a real mark of quality.
“But the competitions can be very unpredictable. Sometimes a newcomer will come from nowhere and take everyone by surprise.”
Christmas gifts will be available from hundreds of trade stands spread across four shopping pavilions, with more lining the walkways. These offer everything from Welsh wool duvets to oak furniture and hand-painted cushions.
Dai said: “Where better to get some Christmas shopping done? There are lots of stalls selling food, crafts and clothing that will make ideal gifts. It’s always a joy to get out and meet old friends at the Winter Fair. It’s Welsh both in language and culture.”
You can soak up the atmosphere as you wonder around the showground by listening to the many local school and community choirs and other artists performing Christmas carols and festive songs.
Artists this year include Athena and Ffion Haf, the Welsh Symphonic Brass Ensemble and the Llandovery Male Voice Choir.
Father Christmas is a regular visitor to the Winter Fair. He can be found with his elves in Ty Ynys Môn, near the bandstand, where he is happy to meet younger visitors. They might even get an early Christmas present – if they’ve been good!
Farming Connect will host a series of Safe Cattle-Handling workshops, while Hybu Cig Cymru offers cook-
ing and butchery demonstrations.
NFU Cymru and FUW will also be hosting their own workshops, launches and debates.
The Winter Fair is also a chance for informal discussion on the big issues of the day.
S4C’s Y Ffair Aeaf programmes will broadcast live from the showground on both days, starting from 10am. Evening highlights will be screened before and after Newyddion 9.
English commentary is available during the day, with English subtitles on the evening shows. S4C also has online coverage.
Dai added: “S4C’s cameras will bring all of the fun of the fair to your homes, so you don’t have to miss out if you can’t be there in person.”
Tickets £15 for adults, £5 for children (ages five to 16). Under-fives free. Gates open 8am.