BT says protected mobile connection will help Welsh traders process card payments and allow organisers to share live content during periods of heavy network demand

DEDICATED 5G connectivity is being used at this year’s Royal Welsh Show to prevent card payments, livestreams and other essential digital services from being disrupted when the showground becomes crowded.

BT and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society are demonstrating new 5G+ “network slicing” technology at the event, which is expected to attract as many as 250,000 visitors during its four-day run.

The technology creates a dedicated and protected section of the EE mobile network for specific services or organisations.

This means businesses using the connection should continue to receive reliable mobile coverage even when thousands of visitors are simultaneously using their phones, potentially placing the wider public network under significant pressure.

At the showground, the dedicated connection is supporting payment systems operated by Welsh food and drink businesses Radnor Hills and Fire and Flank.

BT says the system will help traders process card payments quickly during peak periods, reducing the risk of lengthy queues or lost sales caused by network congestion.

Chris Butler, marketing manager at Radnor Hills, said dependable connectivity was essential because thousands of visitors use the company’s stands during the show.

He said: “The Royal Welsh Show is one of the most important events in our calendar, both as a proud Welsh business and a long-standing supporter of the show itself.

“With thousands of visitors stopping by our stands every day, dependable connectivity for our payment systems is essential to keeping queues moving and making sure customers can quickly grab a drink and get back to enjoying their day.

“Having a dedicated 5G+ network slice gives us greater confidence that we can continue serving people smoothly, even during the busiest periods.”

Fire and Flank is exhibiting at the Royal Welsh Show for the first time.

Founder and director David Evans said: “When demand is high, the last thing any business wants is connectivity issues slowing down card payments or creating long queues.

“Reliable connectivity for our electronic point-of-sale systems helps us serve customers quickly, deliver a great experience and focus on what matters most, sharing our food with visitors.”

The technology is also being used by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s communications team and 2026 show ambassador Teleri-Haf Thomas.

It will allow them to livestream, upload videos and share content from the showground, even when tens of thousands of visitors are using the public network.

Aled Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said mobile connectivity had become increasingly important to the running of the event.

He said: “The Royal Welsh Show is about bringing together hundreds of thousands of people from across Wales and beyond, and connectivity has become an increasingly important part of that experience.

“From supporting exhibitors and traders to helping our team deliver the event safely and efficiently, reliable mobile connectivity plays a vital role.

“Working with BT to showcase 5G+ network slicing demonstrates how next-generation mobile technology can support critical operations while helping us share the best of Welsh agriculture, food and rural life with audiences both on the showground and online.”

The Royal Welsh Show trial is described as one of the first large-scale public demonstrations in the UK of network slicing being used to support both business-critical services and visitor experiences at a major event.

BT is preparing to launch its first network slicing services to customers later this summer.

Adam Price, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: “It is important that visitors and businesses alike experience high-quality digital connectivity at nationally significant events like the Royal Welsh Show.

“BT and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society have committed to ensuring the event benefits from world-class technology, and I am pleased Welsh Government collaboration has helped to make this possible.”

Greg McCall, BT’s chief security and networks officer, said the technology could provide businesses and organisations with more predictable connectivity during major events.

He said: “Whether it is buying food and drink from local traders, sharing moments from the show on social media or following the action online, people increasingly expect seamless connectivity wherever they are.

“By providing dedicated, high-performance connectivity for specific applications, we are helping businesses keep payments flowing, enabling reliable livestreaming and content uploads, and showing how next-generation mobile technology can support better experiences for organisations and consumers alike.”

BT has upgraded equipment at the Royal Welsh Showground and a neighbouring mobile mast in Builth Wells as part of the project.

The company says it has invested more than £500 million in fixed and mobile connectivity across Wales since 2020.

There is something particularly special about watching a children’s cast take to the stage, and Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight, presented by Torch Youth Theatre, was a wonderful example of just how much talent, enthusiasm and confidence young performers can bring to a show.

Running at the Torch Theatre from Monday, July 20 to Thursday, July 23, the production offers a brand-new retelling of the timeless Robin Hood legend, transporting audiences into the heart of Sherwood Forest.

The story follows Robin Hood, Maid Marian and a host of familiar characters as they fight for freedom against the tyranny of Queen Eleanor and the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham. With daring escapes, a legendary archery contest and the mysterious presence of the Black Knight, there is plenty to keep audiences entertained.

From the outset, the production felt well organised and ran remarkably smoothly, with no noticeable hiccups. The set was simple and minimalistic, which worked particularly well. Rather than distracting from the action, it provided an effective backdrop that allowed the cast and story to remain the focus.

The lighting was another real highlight. It was beautifully executed throughout, helping to establish the mood and tone of each scene while adding to the overall atmosphere of the production. The timing was excellent, and there were no noticeable technical issues.

The costumes were also a real highlight and helped bring the characters and story to life. They were well designed, colourful and suited the production perfectly, adding to the overall visual appeal of the show. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making sure each character looked the part.

The props were also well chosen and surprisingly realistic. One particular detail that caught my attention was the Ring of Power, which looked wonderfully sparkly under the stage lights and added a lovely touch of magic to the production.

The sound was generally clear, and the children did an excellent job of projecting their voices. There were a few moments when the sound seemed to drift slightly, and some lines were harder to hear when there was additional commotion happening on stage. However, this was only a minor issue, and overall the cast communicated confidently and clearly.

The performances themselves were a real strength of the show. While the entire cast deserves credit for the effort and commitment they brought to their roles, a few performers particularly stood out. Maid Marian was absolutely brilliant and showed an impressive level of confidence and natural ability. She is clearly a very promising young performer, and it would be wonderful to see where her talent takes her in the future.

The adult Robin Hood was also excellent and, in my opinion, perfectly cast. Together, they provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase two very talented performers, and both certainly rose to the occasion.

The comic relief was another highlight, with some genuinely entertaining moments throughout. The brief singing with the ukulele, along with Steven’s contribution, brought plenty of fun and energy to the production and added to the enjoyment of the audience.

What impressed me most, however, was the confidence and commitment of the entire cast. Every performer played their part with enthusiasm, and I was particularly impressed by how well the younger children handled themselves on stage. It is no small achievement to perform in front of an audience, and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves.

The inclusion of Welsh-speaking elements was also a lovely touch. It fitted naturally into the production and added a sense of local identity, making the show feel particularly well suited to its setting.

Away from the stage, the theatre itself was clean and welcoming, with comfortable seating and a good selection of snacks and drinks available, including during the interval. These small touches helped make the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.

Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give the production is the atmosphere in the theatre. Throughout the performance, the audience appeared completely at ease and engaged. It was lovely to see families enjoying the show together, with siblings cuddling up and parents sitting back, relaxed and entertained.

Overall, Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight was a thoroughly enjoyable production that showcased an impressive amount of young talent. The cast performed with confidence, energy and enthusiasm, supported by effective lighting, a well designed set, fantastic costumes and some lovely production details.

There was a real sense of warmth and community throughout the evening, and it was clear how much work had gone into bringing the production to life.

With tickets priced at £10, or £8 for concessions, the production offers an affordable opportunity for families to enjoy a night of live theatre while supporting the next generation of young performers.

A huge well done to everyone involved, including the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes. You should all be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.

Tickets are available on the Torch Theatre website.

Stephen Kinnock has been named the new Secretary of State for Wales after Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled his first Cabinet reshuffle, replacing Jo Stevens following two years in the post.

The appointment comes as the new Prime Minister continues to shape his government after entering Downing Street, with the Wales Office among a number of departments seeing changes at ministerial level.

Mr Kinnock, the Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg, takes over responsibility for representing Welsh interests at the Cabinet table and overseeing the UK Government’s relationship with the Welsh Government.

The 55-year-old has served in Parliament since 2015 and has held a number of ministerial positions. Before joining the Cabinet, he served as a minister in both the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, where he was involved in immigration, public health and NHS-related policy.

He is also well known as the son of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, one of Wales’ most prominent political figures, and former European Commissioner Glenys Kinnock.

Mr Kinnock replaces Jo Stevens, who has served as Secretary of State for Wales since 2024. During her tenure she worked on issues including economic investment, the transition to green energy, rail infrastructure and cooperation between the UK and Welsh Governments.

The change follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet reshuffle since taking office, with several senior ministerial appointments announced as he begins setting out the priorities of his new administration.

As Secretary of State for Wales, Mr Kinnock will be expected to play a key role in discussions over economic growth, energy, transport, the future of the steel industry, and constitutional matters affecting Wales. He is also likely to be heavily involved in negotiations between Westminster and Cardiff Bay as the Burnham Government develops its agenda.

His appointment will be closely watched across Wales, including in Pembrokeshire, where businesses, local authorities and public services will be looking for signs of how the new Government intends to deliver on its promises for investment, infrastructure and economic development.

Further announcements on the new Government’s programme are expected in the coming days.