Royal Welsh Show to scrap the Spring Festival

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has confirmed plans to scrap the Spring Festival, which it took over from The Smallholder magazine in 2001.

The flagship event marked the start of show season for many, though the RWAS said it will now focus its efforts on the Royal Welsh Show and the Winter Fair and other key strategic projects.

This includes enhanced implementation of digital ticketing and entry systems.

It also hopes to provide greater support for feature counties, and the exploration of new projects and innovative ways to deliver on the society’s charitable objectives.

See also: Royal Welsh Show to suffer £1m loss if school terms change

In a statement, RWAS chief executive Aled Jones said he was “proud of the work” that has been done over the years to stage the event and he understood that the decision will be a “disappointment for many”.

But he maintained that the society’s decision marks an “exciting new chapter” which ensures its events remain at the forefront of agricultural shows in the UK and beyond.

Exhibitor disappointment

Emily Jones, who farms beef and sheep with her parents Gill and Peter at Garnwen Farm in Penuwch in west Wales, has been showing North Country Cheviots and Dorset Down sheep at the event for three years.

Emily Jones (front left) showing at the Spring Festival © Gill Jones

She was disappointed with the decision. “This festival was a well-supported show for the sheep section and a huge opportunity for the native and rare breeds to showcase themselves.

“It helped me grow in confidence and gain knowledge in the showing scene,” she told Farmers Weekly.

The event “was a lovely show to start off the show season for all sections involved”, she added, and one that will be missed by many.