This week’s Royal Welsh Agricultural Winter Fair was a resounding success, attracting thousands of visitors to the Llanelwedd showground for two days of festive celebrations, competitions and industry showcases.
 
The second day of the fair, on Tuesday, was a vibrant mix of activity, with exhibitors, traders and visitors immersing themselves in an extensive programme of competitions, demonstrations, auctions and shopping.
 
The event spanned a larger area than ever before, filled with a diverse array of food and retail stalls.
 
More than 2,000 school children and students attended across the two days, taking advantage of free entry for organised primary and secondary school trips and reduced rates for further and higher education groups.
 
This year’s primary school theme, "Ein Dŵr/Our Water," offered an engaging educational experience. Workshops led by Welsh Water, The Army, educator Phillip Cressey and The Big Science Project captivated Year 5 and 6 pupils, while teaching resources on the role of water in agriculture were made available through Twinkl and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) website.
 
Tom Pemberton, popular YouTube star of ‘Tom Pemberton’s Farm Life’, presented certificates to participating schools and shared insights about water use on his dairy farm. Pupils enthusiastically engaged with him, asking about his farming journey.
 
Tom also joined Neil Fenn and Stewart Williams of Castell Howell to judge the sausage competition in the Meat Products section, before experiencing the bustling livestock auctions and meeting fans at the Show Shop.
 
Livestock competitions took centre stage, with record-breaking entries, particularly in the sheep section.
The winners were: Supreme cattle champion: ‘Twilight’, a Limousin-sired heifer bred by Tecwyn Jones of Caer Gwrli, Anglesey, sold for £8,500 to local butcher Arwyn Morgans of Morgans Family Butchers, Builth Wells.
 
Supreme sheep champion was a pair of Beltex lambs from E. F. Gittoes & Son of Bryndu Farm, Llandefalle, Brecon, which sold for £650. Pig Championships: Both single and pair titles were awarded to Pietrain cross Welsh pigs owned by Myrddin James of Dolaeron, Ceredigion, with the single selling for £400 and the pair for £350.
 
Supreme horse champion was Coedwigddu Princess Rosia, a Section D Welsh Cob, from S. James of Brynlluan, Carmarthenshire and handled by Gareth Lapping.
 
The Best Overall Tradestand Award was presented to Wales Perfumery.
 
The event's success is credited to the dedication of the organising committee, exhibitors, traders, volunteers and stewards, along with the generous support of sponsors.
 
Headline sponsors HSBC, Welsh Government and Dunbia, alongside others, played a vital role in making this year’s Winter Fair a triumph.
 
“This year’s event has been a huge success,” said director, William Hanks. “Despite severe weather leading up to the fair, visitor numbers have been strong and there has been a fantastic sense of camaraderie on the showground.
 
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this event's success. From our volunteers and stewards to the exhibitors and sponsors, your support ensures the Winter Fair remains a cherished tradition. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s events.”

The National Library of Wales has appointed four new trustees to its board to strengthen its leadership and ensure continued success in collecting, preserving and providing access to the country’s cultural heritage.
 
Starting their terms on January 1 will be Heledd Bebb, co-owner and director of OB3 Research consultancy, Michael Gibbon K.C., head of a set of barristers’ chambers in London and a bencher of Lincoln’s Inn and Dr Mohini Gupta, co-convenor for Education South Asia who will become Postdoctoral Fellow at the Danish School of Education, Aarhus University in the new year.
 
Joining the board in May will be Professor Andrew Prescott, a historian and digital humanities specialist at the University of Glasgow.
 
Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, library chief executive, said: “These appointments are an important step forward as we work on the Library's new strategic plan that will guide our work for the years to come. Their experience and deep expertise will be a great asset and I look forward to working with them.”
 
Ashok Ahir, library president, added: “I am delighted to see this hugely talented new group of individuals joining the National Library's Board of Trustees. Their varied skills and interests will be of great benefit to our discussions and decisions, as we shape the strategic focus of the library's activities over the next five years.”

A special installation to mark the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day in 2025, which is being created by a group of knitters in France, will be a centrepiece at next year’s Wonderwool Wales event in the heart of Mid Wales.
 
Tansy Forster and her fellow knitters have agreed to create the new installation especially for the 19th Wonderwool Wales, the premier wool and natural fibre festival in Wales which will be held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on April 26 and 27.
 
The new work follows the great success of The Longest Yarn, an 80 metre, 3D wool art depiction of the D-Day landings in France on June 6, 1944, which is currently touring the UK.
 
The Longest Yarn installation features 80, one metre long panels, each depicting scenes of the build-up to D-Day in England, the horrors on the landing beaches and the bloody inland battles.
 
More than 1,000 knitters from across the world contributed to the project which snowballed from Tansy’s initial idea of a display for her garden wall.
 
Now she is turning her thoughts to the next wool art installation to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when Germany surrendered unconditionally on Tuesday, May 8,1945.
 
“We are thrilled that Tansy and her group of fellow knitters in France are producing the VE Day display just for us and it will take pride of place as our exhibition for 2025,” said Wonderwool Wales director Chrissie Menzies.
 
“I am certain that the exhibition will attract a lot of interest here in Wales and across the UK. It’s exciting to have this work made exclusively for our 2025 sho2 and I can’t wait to see their work.”
 
An award-winning two-day event, Wonderwool Wales celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, attracting around 6,000 visitors from across the UK and as far away as America, Canada and Australia.
 
Woolschool workshops, Sheep Walk fashion shows, demonstrations and have-a-go sessions hosted by some of more than 200 exhibitors are regular features of the popular event.
 
Already booked for Woolschool workshops in 2025 are Moebius Knitting with Kath Andrews, Andean Pebble Weave using a back strap loom with Helen Deighan and An Introduction to Indian Block Printing, Art Yarns – Corespinning with Sarah Stacey, a Wonderwool Wales director,
 
Other workshops include Dorset Buttons and Peg Loom Weaving with Sharon Smith of Wild Welsh Wool, Bringing Eyes to Life in needle felting with Emma Fountain, Beaded Keyrings with Rosie of Moon Beads while Ruth Packham will be showing students how to felt one of her Quirky Birds.
 
Tickets for the show and the Woolschools are now available online at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk . For the latest news about the show, like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Instagram @wonderwoolwales .
 
Wonderwool Wales covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process. Exhibits of sheep, raw and hand dyed fibres, yarn for knitting and crochet, embellishments, equipment, dyes and books can be found alongside superb examples of finished textile art, craft, clothing and home furnishings.

People looking for a pre-Christmas adventure with a difference will be able to visit the unique underground workings of a former Mid Wales slate mine on four days during December.
 
On December 3, 7, 10 and 14, award-winning Corris Mine Explorers is running trips into the old Braich Goch Slate Mine at Corris, near Machynlleth, allowing visitors to step back in time by following the route of entry hand dug by Victorian miners nearly 200 years ago.
 
The underground adventures are for individuals, families or groups of friends. Accompanied by knowledgeable mine guides, explorers experience the broad tunnels and cavernous chambers where the world’s finest slate was excavated by both hand and explosive, before being shipped around the world.
 
The underground workings were first excavated in the 1830s and abandoned in 1970. The mine exploration trips bring the history alive, revealing the harsh and often dangerous working conditions endured by the miners.
 
The underground trips take explorers deep beneath the mountains of Southern Snowdonia (Eryri) and into a virtually untouched former Welsh slate mine.
 
Formed many millennia ago, the slate areas of Gwynedd have now been officially recognised by UNESO as a World Heritage Site, With some of the best Mine Guides in Wales, you will explore and discover.
 
Advance online booking essential at www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk .
 
Following their trip, explorers can also do festive shopping and enjoy something to eat and drink in Corris Crafts Christmas Shop, which is open daily 10-4 in The Corris Café.
New this year, the pop up shop features unique crafts made by companies at Corris Craft Centre as well as delicious food and drink from Welsh producers.
 
Corris Mine Explorers is a member of MWT Cymru, the region’s leading tourism organisation with around 600 members from the industry in Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.

A new digital platform, which is helping to address the economic challenges faced by town centres in Powys, has been developed by Mid Wales’ largest independent  tourism organisation.
 
IMI Wales has been created by Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru) with supported from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to connect local businesses with the region’s thriving tourism sector, creating new opportunities and boosting footfall.
 
Free for businesses to join, the IMI Wales platform - www.imi.wales - has already welcomed over 80 local businesses from across Powys.
 
Using innovative blockchain and Web3 technology, it allows businesses to list their services, create rewards and share offers or vouchers directly with their own customers via the marketplace and, importantly, with tourism businesses.
 
Hotels, attractions and other tourism-related enterprises can then promote these offers to their visitors through their websites, social media or other channels, encouraging them to explore local town centres.
 
“In Powys, we only have 132,000 residents, but we welcome nearly five million visitors each year,” said Zoe Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive. “Many town centre businesses don’t see themselves as part of the visitor economy, but they are absolutely vital to the experience of those who come here.
 
“Visitors don’t come to Mid Wales for chain stores, they come for our independent shops, family run cafes and the authenticity that makes Mid Wales so unique.”
 
Powys alone attracts millions of visitors annually but, with a relatively small local population, relying solely on local footfall has proven to not always be enough to sustain town centres.
 
“We can’t change people’s shopping habits,” added Zoe, “and we know many are tied by working hours and the convenience of online shopping. But visitors don’t face those constraints. They are here to shop local and they are eager to spend locally.
 
“By connecting tourism and town centre businesses, this platform ensures visitors can discover and support our towns. With thousands of potential customers staying in caravan parks, hotels and other accommodations across the region, we need to let them know our towns are open for business.”
 
Attractions like Elan Valley, which draws more than half a million visitors annually and Powis Castle, which welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year, are keen to spread the benefits locally.
 
They are keen to work with town centre partners to support the region via the platform, helping to create new economic opportunities for surrounding areas.
 
“Over the past 30 years, tourism businesses in Mid Wales have embraced technology and innovation to punch above their weight,” said Zoe. “Now, it’s time for town centres to have the same opportunities.
 
“This platform gives them a way to grow and thrive, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of our community for generations to come.”
 
The IMI Wales platform offers an easy and seamless way for businesses to collaborate, share opportunities and encourage visitors to explore the unique and authentic experiences that Mid Wales offers.

 

Popular Mid Wales visitor attraction, Silver Mountain Experience, is busily preparing for the return of their most beloved visitor, Santa Claus.
 
Based just outside of Aberystwyth, the attraction is undergoing a serious transformation for its exciting Christmas event. Running on selected dates from December 7 to 23, there will be something for the whole family to enjoy at this magical winter wonderland.
 
Santa and his elves have transformed Silver Mountain’s Victorian mine buildings into their workshops and a grotto. Visitors are being invited to join the elves for an enchanting walk through the factory to see where the magic happens and hear about what needs to be done for the big day.
 
Most exciting of all, guests will then be taken to meet Santa himself, where children will have the opportunity to tell him what they would like for Christmas, receive a gift for being on the ‘nice list’ and make memories that will last a lifetime.
 
This experience will be unique each family or group and tailored to ensure everyone has a magical day.
 
As well as The Elves’ Workshops and Santa’s Grotto, there will be a whole host of fun activities included within the ticket price and adventures to be had all day long.
 
In such a magical place, a certain, unnamed individual surprisingly does not share this Christmas cheer! He has set up home in one of the mine’s underground tunnels where he is causing all sorts of mischief and trying to steal Christmas!
 
Visitors can embark on a quest to melt his heart and show him all there is to love about Christmas.
 
The fun doesn’t stop there, as the site is packed full of immersive activities including cookie decorating, Rudolph and Patches’ Treasure Trail, the Fossil Dig, play area and much more.
 
With its pretty decorations, return of the Gingerbread House and Victorian Sweet Shop, there are photo opportunities everywhere to help visitors remember this special day in years to come.
 
The attraction says booking is essential and tickets are selling fast. Book a slot online at  www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/festive/ to avoid disappointment.

The Royal Welsh Winter Fair opened yesterday (Tuesday), bringing together the best of Wales’ livestock, produce and community spirit despite challenges to the industry, not least the recent severe weather.
 
During the opening ceremony at Llanelwedd, Nicola Davies, chair of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) Council, reflected on the growing interest in the two-day event, praising the dedication of exhibitors, traders and sponsors.
 
Your support brings us confidence and hope in these uncertain times,” she said. Emphasising the importance of ensuring a bright future for young people in the countryside, Mrs Davies expressed her aspiration for continuity and future generations being able to celebrate the fair’s 100th anniversary in years to come.
 
She thanked the event director, Will Hanks, committee chair Alwyn Rees and the many volunteers and staff whose efforts made the winter fair possible.
 
She noted that it was the final event of Ceredigion’s tenure as feature county and introduced society president Denley Jenkins, a lifelong advocate for the fair and participant in all 34 events since its inception in 1990.
Mr Jenkins described the event as “the best show of its kind in Britain” and proudly announced brother and sister Steffan and Elin Rattray, of Rattray Butchers, Aberystwyth, who opened the event.
 
Acknowledging their dedication to local produce, he highlighted their deep ties to Ceredigion and commitment to upholding their family’s butchery legacy.
 
Steffan and Elin spoke passionately about their upbringing in the countryside and its role in shaping their careers. They called for greater security and stability within the agricultural industry, enabling future generations to thrive.
Steffan also expressed pride in supplying the winter fair with quality local meat, thanking the RWAS for championing Welsh businesses.
The ceremony also celebrated notable achievements within the agricultural community. Susan Jones, honorary assistant director for publicity, press and awards, announced the winners of three awards, which were presented by Denley and Brenda Jenkins:
 
The John Gittins Memorial Award went to Tracy Powell, the 2025 Oxford Farming Conference Bursary went to Cennydd Owen Jones and the 2025 Nuffield Farming Scholarship went to Sioned Davies.
 
The fair welcomed nearly 1,200 children and young people on its opening day, with  more than 1,000 expected today. The educational theme “Our Water” featured engaging workshops led by Dŵr Cymru, the Army and other partners, alongside resources developed by Twinkl.
 
Schools enjoyed free entry and discounted rates for further and higher education groups, underscoring the RWAS’ commitment to learning.
 
Visitors explored a record number of trade stands and bustling shopping aisles, while the popular 'Gwledd | Feast' area offered a vibrant mix of live entertainment and delicious Welsh cuisine.
 
The day concluded with a spectacular fireworks display set to music. The fair features championship livestock auctions, the poultry show and more today.

The following statement has been issued by Welsh Government:

"A small contribution that could make a big difference” – Legislation introduced to support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry in Wales

A Bill to give local authorities the option to introduce a small visitor levy in their area to re-invest in local tourism, is today introduced by Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford.

The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill proposes that people staying overnight in Wales and enjoying everything the country has to offer will pay a small charge. The money raised will support local tourism activity and infrastructure.

The introduction of the legislation marks the delivery of a key Programme for Government commitment and will help to invest in the future of Wales as all visitors staying overnight would contribute to the preservation of the country’s beauty and heritage.

It would provide local communities the opportunity to generate additional revenues. If all Welsh local authorities choose to introduce a visitor levy, it is estimated it could generate up to £33m a year.

The levy would be set at:

• 75p per person per night for people staying in hostels and on campsite pitches.
• £1.25 per person per night for those staying in all other accommodation types. 
  
  

The legislation also includes a requirement to establish and maintain a register of visitor accommodation in Wales, which would – for the first time – provide a register of the broad range of visitor accommodation available across the country.

Local authorities will decide if they want to introduce a levy in their area, based on what is best for their communities. It is estimated the earliest this could happen is 2027 after a local authority has consulted their community.

Visitor levies are used successfully in many parts of the world, including Manchester, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and California. The funds raised are used to support a healthy visitor economy by protecting and investing in the infrastructure and services guests enjoy.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said:
“This Bill is rooted in the principle of fairness. We know tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life. We want to ensure its long-term sustainability.

“That’s why we believe it is fair visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience. Visitor levies are common around the world, benefiting local communities, tourists and businesses – and we want the same for Wales.

“Money raised through a levy would be retained by local authorities and re-invested back into their local areas to support local, sustainable tourism. It’s a small contribution that could make a big difference.”

A statutory registration scheme for all accommodation providers is expected to start operating in 2026 to support the collection and administration of a visitor levy.

It will include details about who is operating in the sector, where they are operating, and how they are operating, and help establish a better understanding of the sector and support future policy decisions at a local and national level.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, WLGA Leader, said:

"This Bill will give councils the option to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays. It’s a way to raise extra funds to support local services and improve amenities that benefit both visitors and the community.

“Each council will decide how to apply the levy based on what’s best for their area, recognising that it may be suitable in some parts of Wales but not in others. Councils will carefully consider local circumstances and ensure residents are consulted before any decisions are made.
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“We’re glad to have worked closely with the Welsh Government on this and look forward to seeing the draft legislation in the coming weeks, which will mark an important step forward for Wales' tourism and local economies.”