THE 26th annual Royal Welsh Winter Fair had a torrential but successful couple of days. 

Held on Monday and Tuesday attendees were subjected to a downpour but this did not dampen anyone’s spirits, as the indoor events and stalls received a wealth of attention. 

Small businesses, such as Caersws’ Hilltop Honey and Knighton’s Radnor Hills, enjoyed the focus of the crowds for their award winning products. 

Monday evening saw a spectacular fireworks display and late night shopping. 

But for some the festivity was dampened when flood waters claimed a section of the lower car park field, taking 20 cars with it. 

By Tuesday the waters had receded and the storm had subsided to a drizzle. 

The level of competition was high as exhibitors from as far away as Scotland, converged to compete for the top accolades. More than 1,400 cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, and 161 carcasses were entered into the classes. 

Arguably, one of the most prestigious titles to be won at the event, the supreme cattle champion, was awarded to Miss Wales, a Limousin x Limousin x British Blue heifer weighing 602kg, exhibited by Mr D Thomas from Lampeter. 

The beast was later sold by McCartneys, the official auctioneers, for £5,400 to Mr Denley. 

Winter Fair honorary director Will Hanks said: “It is always an honour to be involved with the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and it makes me very proud that despite the awful weather and subsequent problems, the Royal Welsh team was able to pull together and deliver another successful event, enjoyed by thousands of visitors and exhibitors.” 

The major results are: Cattle Supreme Champion, Mr D Thomas from Lampeter. Baby Beef Supreme Champion, Mr J Hollingsworth from Mold, Denbighshire. Sheep Supreme Champion, Steve and Sara Gibbons from Brecon, Powys. Pig Supreme Champion Single, Mr HD and Mrs EM Roberts from Pwllheli, Gwynedd. Pig Supreme Champion Pair, Messrs GL and JE Owens and Son. Carcass Supreme Champion Single, Mr R Coney from Narberth, Pembrokeshire. Carcass Supreme Champion Pair, Mr R Slade from Hereford. Horse Supreme Champion, Mr J Llewellyn-James from Worcester.