Bangor University launch for 2025 Royal Welsh Show

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, in partnership with this year’s feature county, Caernarfon, officially launched the 2025 Royal Welsh Show at Bangor University last week.

Held in the historic Pritchard-Jones Hall, the event marked the formal countdown to the show, which will be held at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells from July 21–24. Around 200 invited guests, including board members, key sponsors, industry representatives and supporters from across Wales, attended the launch.

Guests were greeted by one of show ambassador Rhys Eifion Griffith’s impressive shire horses, Trem Yr Wyddfa Aurora, a fitting nod to the Heavy Horse Village set to debut at this year’s event.

Nicola Davies, RWAS Council chair of Council, highlighted the longstanding connections between the university and the agricultural community, noting its proud tradition of supporting rural education since 1884.

Vice-chancellor Professor Edmund Burke paid tribute to the farmers of Caernarfon who, 140 years ago, helped found the university. He spoke of the continued contribution made by students and graduates to the agricultural and agroforestry sectors in Wales.

Society president John R. Owen reflected on the year so far, thanking everyone who had contributed to and attended the county’s many fundraising events. He also previewed the upcoming Hill Farming Event at Hafod y Llan Farm, thanks all the organisers.

Mr Griffith spoke warmly of the show’s significance to the local community and thank local RWAS members for entrusting him with the role of ambassador and for supporting his vision for the new Heavy Horse Village and its competitions.

He encouraged younger exhibitors to become involved in the RWAS committees, highlighting their importance to the show’s ongoing success, before introducing the event’s official 2025 promotional video.

Show director Richard Price highlighted this year’s attractions, including the Heavy Horse Village, new competitive classes for heavy horses in the main ring and the Supreme Horse Championship, to be judged by actor Martin Clunes.

The Ukrainian Cossacks will return with their thrilling trick-riding display, while celebrity judges, such as Nigel Owens and Meinir Howells, will feature in the sheep section.

The evening featured the premiere of Y Gerdd Groeso, a commissioned poem celebrating Caernarfon’s pride as feature county, written and performed on video by renowned Welsh poet Myrddin ap Dafydd.

Professor Wynne Jones, RWAS Board chair, thanked the team of staff and volunteers for organising the evening and wish Caernarfon  success with its upcoming events, including the Hill Farming Event at Hafod y Llan on June 12 and the annual meeting at Glynllifon College on June 27.

The evening ended with a rousing performance by Cor Meibion Caernarfon