THE Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) says it is looking forward to a bright future after holding its first official event on the showground since the outbreak of Covid-19.

More than 4,000 visitors flocked to the site, in Llanelwedd, just outside Builth Wells, for the two-day Autumn Equine Show last weekend. It was the first time the event had been held and the first event to be held at the showground in 18 months.

Saturday and Sunday (September 18 and 19) were packed full of celebrations and showcased a spectacle to all horse enthusiasts from across the UK.

The society says it is grateful to all those that have stood by them in the very difficult past 18 months and are looking forward to a very bright future. This new event has not only brought many returning visitors to the showground but has also given those in the local community a sense of normality with a hive of activity inside the showground gates.

Rounding off a fantastic few days of hotly contested horse competitions, in the horse, main and cattle rings, event organisers said they were delighted that everyone had a fantastic time and they congratulated all the winners from the weekend. A full list of results will be available to download on the society website from today (Monday, September 20).

Mared Jones, head of operations, said: “We cannot thank all of those involved with the event this weekend enough as we have gone above and beyond to ensure that all those visiting the showground have felt safe to be back out meeting face to face once again, implementing the latest Welsh Government guidelines throughout the showground.

“The society were astonished with the entries that were received for the Autumn Equine Show and we would like to thank everyone that has supported us this weekend.

“A special mention to all of our sponsors who have contributed towards this brand new event and also to everyone who has given up their time to volunteer with us over the last two days; your invaluable support has been second to none and we hope that these relationships continue to grow as the society opens up within the events industry once again.”