​Entries open for the 2023 RWAS Smallholding and Countryside Festival

The Smallholding & Countryside Festival returns to the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on May 20 and 21.
 
The festival is a celebration of rural life and country-living with smallholding pursuits at its heart. The weekend event is a showcase of the real diversity of the Welsh countryside and a fantastic day out for families, garden enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in the great outdoors.
 
With a packed programme of livestock and equine competitions, displays, demonstrations, trade stands, live music and activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
 
Entries for livestock and equine competitions are now open and competitors can view the schedules and enter online at https://rwas.wales/smallholding-and-countryside-festival/competitions-festival/ . Entries opened on March 1 and close at 11.59pm on Monday, April 3.
 
With more than 600 livestock classes and special awards for sheep, pigs, goats and cattle, many of which are for traditional, rare and native breeds, there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.
 
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has announced that this year’s festival will host Rising Star qualifiers for the 2023 London International Horse Show. Brand new Home-Produced classes are also being within the equine section with the support of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society (WPCS).
 
Entries have opened for The Premier Open Dog Show, a 2024 Crufts qualifier, with rosettes, prizemoney and quality pet food all up for grabs for the winning canines. Postal entries close Tuesday, April 11 and online entries close Tuesday, May 2. Go to  https://www.fossedata.co.uk/shows/Royal-Welsh-Agricultural-Society-Ltd-May-2023.aspx to view the schedules and to enter.
 
The Smallholders Centre will continue to be the main port of call for those wanting to learn more about the smallholder’s way of life. This is the ideal place to stock up on the essentials from the agricultural and smallholding themed trade stands.
 
Explore the Country Life Area, featuring the Premier Open Dog Show, Panic Family Circus, Pentre Pop Up Farm, The Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Group, Donkey Encounter, forestry competitions, sporting and countryside activities, all accompanied by live music from the bandstand.
 
The display ring will be jam-packed with displays, including show jumping and working hunter competitions, The Steve Colley Motorbike Stunt Show, Little Nippers terrier dog racing, The Welsh Festival of Land Rovers and the M.A.D Team Mountain Bike Aerial Display.
 
Meirionnydd Shearing Centre will become the Wool Zone, an area to promote the versatility and fantastic creations which can be made out of wool. Wool handling and blade shearing competitions, demonstrations from the Gwent Guild of Spinners and Weavers, a vintage shearing display and wool related trade stands will await visitors.
 
Entries for the wool handling and blade shearing competitions are due to open in late March.
 
It wouldn’t be a Royal Welsh event without showcasing the best food and drink produce that Wales has to offer. Sample delicious goods in the renowned Food Hall or grab a tasty bite at the food stalls in a Street Food Area.
 
Tickets for the Smallholding and Countryside Festival are available online. Early bird online tickets are £18 for adults, £5 for children and family tickets cost £40. Discounted tickets are available for RWAS members.
 
Visit https://rwas.wales/  for more information about the festival or to buy tickets.         
 
Image caption: The festival will launch brand new home-produced equine classes supported by Welsh Pony & Cob Society and host Rising Star qualifiers for the London International Horse Show.