ALWAYS willing to grasp opportunities and adapt its events to better suit the demands of a changing industry and a dynamic audience, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has announced some developments to its annual festival, held each year in May.

This year the Smallholding and Countryside Festival (formerly known as the Spring Festival) will be held at the showground in Llanelwedd on the weekend of May 18 and 19.

The event will pay homage to its humble beginnings and will be centred around smallholding and country life, with smallholders and those who have a love of the countryside and outdoor activities at the heart of the festival.

With an emphasis on celebrating rural life, the festival will still be packed with all different types of livestock, horses and other animals taking part in a busy two-day schedule of competitions and displays.

The Smallholders Centre will continue to be the main port of call for those wanting to dip in and out of the free talks and workshops or pick up some useful advice from the ‘getting started’ stand. It will be the ideal place to stock up on the essentials from the agricultural and smallholding themed tradestands – whether you are after a couple of chickens to add to your flock, a new bucket or perhaps a piece of machinery or new construction project advice to make life back on the smallholding easier, you’ll be sure to find what you need at the event.

The show will also be showcasing how to make your land sustainable, whether that is through different management techniques or exploring some diversification options, there will be ideas to consider whilst you’re here. Just pop along and talk to experts and take a look, first hand, at some of the opportunities for each and every acre.

No Royal Welsh event would be complete without its offering of food and drink – the food hall will once again be bursting with regional producers from Wales and the border counties, showcasing the very best produce for you to eat straight away or enjoy at home. The popular street food area, complete with live music, will also be returning to keep us all fed, watered and entertained throughout the weekend.

Along with gardening stands, wool handling competitions and shearing demonstrations, a dedicated centre to grab yourself a bargain at auction or table top sale, and a full programme of non-stop action and entertainment in the festival display ring, there will be lots of new things to see and do.

“Getting hands on and stuck in to all the activities on offer throughout the festival has always been a big attraction to our spring event,” said Kay Spencer, festival director.

“You’ll be able to try your hand at milking a cow, spinning some wool, learn about where your food comes from, to mention a few of the things on offer. Just roll up your sleeves and have a go!”

As usual all the other attractions and popular areas will still be there for you to explore and enjoy. Hundreds of horse classes, scurry driving, vintage vehicles and caravans. The Country Life area which features the only Premier Open Dog Show held in Wales, children's activities, country pursuits and much more.

Once again all children aged 16 or under will get free entry into the festival, with the adult gate price remaining at £15 for the third year running. There will be free parking close to all entrances – discounted tickets available online now.

Keep your eyes peeled for more details coming shortly at www.rwas.wales