THE Pembrokeshire County Show, Wales’ largest and most celebrated agricultural event, has successfully wrapped up its two-day extravaganza, leaving behind a trail of fond memories and a sense of accomplishment. The show, held at the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest, saw a vast array of activities and displays, drawing in crowds from across the region and beyond.

The first day of the event opened under a blanket of sunshine, with thousands of eager visitors flocking to the showground. The clear skies and warm weather created the perfect atmosphere for attendees to immerse themselves in the rich rural heritage that the show offers. From the vibrant livestock competitions to the bustling food stalls, the showground was alive with energy, as people of all ages explored the attractions.

This year’s event held special significance as it marked the 240th anniversary of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society (PAS), an organisation that has long been the backbone of the show. The Society, with its deep-rooted history, took extra care in curating an event that paid homage to its past while seamlessly integrating modern elements. The result was a show that not only celebrated tradition but also embraced contemporary trends, ensuring that there was something for everyone.

Day one was a resounding success, with large crowds filling the showground and creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The weather played a crucial role in drawing people out early, with traffic building up as early as 7:30 a.m. Visitors were greeted with a myriad of activities, from interactive displays to live entertainment, making the most of the glorious weather.

Among the notable attendees was Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, who made her first official visit to Pembrokeshire since being elected. Ms. Morgan spent the day touring the showground, expressing her admiration for the event’s organisation and the resilience of the community in bringing the show back to its full glory post-pandemic. “It’s a really lovely day this year. Things have been building back up to pre-pandemic levels. It’s been wonderful. Lots of people are here from Pembrokeshire and beyond. It has been brilliantly organised,” she remarked.

The First Minister was particularly impressed with the livestock exhibitions, which are a cornerstone of the show. “One of my favourite parts of the show is seeing the livestock. It’s amazing to think about all the work that has gone in over generations to ensure an animal is in peak condition,” she added. Her presence underscored the importance of the show, not just as a local tradition but as an event of national significance.

Adam Thorne, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and a third-generation arable and beef farmer, officially opened the show from the main ring. Reflecting on the event’s success, he highlighted the indispensable role of volunteers. “We’ve got 200 voluntary stewards across all the sections, and the show just wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said, emphasising the community spirit that underpins the event.

As day one drew to a close, anticipation was high for the second day, despite forecasts predicting less favourable weather. True to the forecast, day two greeted attendees with rain, but this did little to deter the crowds. The showground remained busy, and some car parks even reached full capacity, leading to visitors being redirected to other entrances. The resilient spirit of the show’s visitors shone through as they donned raincoats and umbrellas, determined to make the most of the day.

Show director and trustee Delme Harries echoed the sentiments of many when he spoke about the show’s evolution over the centuries. “Before the pandemic, we had eight full-time show staff, and that’s now down to two, so we are lucky to be able to rely very heavily on volunteers and are conscious that we must involve the next generation as well,” he explained. Mr. Harries also noted how the show has adapted to changing times, embracing social media and responding to the growing demand for quality, locally-made goods while staying true to its agricultural roots.

One of the standout attractions this year was Aquarius, a magnificent White-Tailed Eagle with a two-metre wingspan, brought by the British Bird of Prey Centre. Aquarius captivated visitors with her impressive size and grace, symbolising the efforts to reintroduce these majestic birds to Welsh skies. Alongside Aquarius was the Centre’s newest addition, a baby Snowy Owl, which charmed the crowds with its sleepy demeanor. These birds were a hit among both children and adults, adding a unique element to the show’s already diverse offerings.

The poultry competition made a triumphant return this year, after being absent in recent years due to the pandemic and avian flu concerns. The competition attracted 600 entries, ranging from individual birds to crafts and eggs, delighting both participants and spectators. “Although this year’s entries are half of what they used to be, they are double what we expected because we went ahead at the last minute,” said poultry show secretary Bethan Clarke. Her satisfaction with the turnout reflected the broader sentiment of the event, which managed to exceed expectations despite the challenges.

Food lovers were well catered for at the Welsh Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell. The Hall showcased over 40 local producers, offering everything from cider to cheesecake. Regular cookery demonstrations drew large crowds, as attendees were eager to learn from local chefs and sample the delicious offerings. This celebration of Welsh food and drink has become a highlight of the show, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage and the innovation of its producers.

The showground was a hive of activity throughout the two days, with the Country Market shopping area featuring 60 stalls selling unique, artisan products. Families and children were well catered for, with a range of activities including rugby skills sessions with the Scarlets, Little Legs Football, and the always popular Panic Circus Big Top, which offered free fun and games for all ages.

The Countryside Park was another popular area, where visitors could engage with the British Bird of Prey Centre’s exhibits, including talks on Eagle Reintroduction Wales and the chance to meet some of the Centre’s residents up close. The Ferret World exhibit and the gundog display team led by Wales’ top handler, Meurig Rees, also drew large audiences, offering a glimpse into traditional country life. These exhibits provided educational and entertaining experiences, highlighting the rural traditions that are at the heart of the show.

Live entertainment played a crucial role in maintaining the lively atmosphere of the event. Pure West Radio broadcasted live from the showground, with their stage featuring live music, competitions, performances, and special guests. The radio station’s involvement ensured that there was never a dull moment, keeping the energy high throughout both days of the show.

As the second day drew to a close, the much-anticipated judging of sheep and pig classes took place, concluding with the supreme horse championship. Despite the rain, the competitions were fiercely contested, with participants showcasing the best of Welsh livestock. Thursday also saw the Ladies Day reception in the Members’ Marquee, where guests donned their finest attire and enjoyed Prosecco, all while raising funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). The event was a highlight of the second day, adding a touch of elegance and charity to the proceedings.

Reflecting on the event, the organisers were pleased with the overall success of the show. “The community spirit and the support from volunteers have been incredible,” said Delme Harries. “Despite the challenges, we’ve had a fantastic show, and we’re already looking forward to next year.” The Pembrokeshire County Show has once again proven why it remains a cornerstone of Welsh rural life. The blend of tradition, community, and entertainment, coupled with the resilience of both organisers and attendees, ensured that this year’s event was a resounding success.