Crowds gathered in their thousands for two days of competition, celebration, and winter cheer.
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair took place at the showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, on November 24 and 25, cementing its reputation as one of the standout events in the British agricultural calendar.
Since its beginnings as a one-day event in 1990, the fair has grown into one of the UK’s premier primestock shows, this year drawing nearly 700 exhibitors.
The 2025 Winter Fair was officially opened by father and son Ieuan and Sion Edwards of the renowned Edwards of Conwy butchery family.
Their involvement felt particularly fitting given this year’s educational theme, ‘Our Food / Ein Bwyd’.
In his opening remarks, master butcher Ieuan Edwards spoke of the importance of the event and the wider industry.
Read more
He highlighted the crucial role of farmers in feeding a growing global population.
He noted the pressures facing the industry but also its remarkable resilience, emphasising the importance of creating an environment where farmers can produce high-quality, sustainable, and affordable food.
He also reflected on his personal connection to the Royal Welsh, recalling his 2013 win of the Sir Bryner Jones Award and many years of involvement with the event.
His son, Sion Edwards, offered an optimistic outlook for the industry while recognising the changes ahead.
Mr Edwards said: "To meet the challenges ahead, our industry must be economically viable and function in an efficient and sustainable manner.
"The future will look different, but the importance of what we do remains the same."
He closed with a quote from writer and Harvard professor Michael Pollan, reminding the audience of the broader meaning of food.
Mr Edwards said: "Food is not just fuel.
"Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity.
"And we nourish all those things when we eat well."
The opening ceremony also included the announcement of several major awards.
Kevin Parry of Brecknock received the John Gittins Memorial Award 2025, while Eiry Wiliams of Ceredigion was named recipient of the Oxford Farming Conference Bursary 2026.
The inaugural Dai Jones Llanilar Memorial Award was presented to Elen Gwen Williams from Anglesey, who will now have the opportunity to develop a broadcast concept for S4C.
Tudor Roderick NSch of Brecknock was awarded the RWAS Nuffield Farming Scholarship 2025.
Share