Winter Fair returns to Royal Welsh Showground, Powys

The popular pre-Christmas event is being held on Monday and Tuesday (November 28 and 29) this week, with people from across Wales flocking to the Royal Welsh Showground as the two-day festive spectacular served up some real treats.

After it reached the heady milestone of celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019, Covid-19 forced its cancellation 12 months ago.

Big brother event, the Royal Welsh Show, was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021, bit some sense of normality returned last November when the easing of restrictions allowed the 2021 Winter Fair to go ahead this week.

In 2022 the event seems to be back to its best, with the showground packed with people on Monday, visiting all the main popular attractions from livestock competitions to the hundreds of tradestands, as well as the finest display of Welsh produce in the renowned food hall, not to mention the unique festive gifts and agricultural equipment – which always ensures that the Winter Fair provides something for everyone.

Eirlys Cole, from Brecon-based ice cream specialists Lanfaes Dairy, who have been delivering ice cold delights for Powys residents since 1995

Father Christmas is visiting on both days, while the spectacular fireworks display on Monday evening (7pm) is always a highlight.

There is always a distinctive festive feel to the Winter Fair, even for John Deere customers

If you’re visiting on Tuesday, be sure to take the kids to see Santa. He’ll be at the Clock Tower, Tŷ Ynys Môn, near the bandstand, from 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm.

He also brought his reindeer with him all the way from the North Pole on Monday. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s (RWAS) fantastic fireworks display is always a firm favourite with Winter Fair guests, as of course is the Food Hall is packed full of delicious delights from traders across Wales – including many from Powys.

Check out our gallery from day one of the 2022 Winter Fair.