Royal Welsh Show 2026: What to See, Do and Look Out For
On this page
The 2026 Royal Welsh Show programme spans racing Shetland ponies, parachute displays, prize livestock, Welsh food, rural skills and working sheepdogs.
Known in Welsh as Sioe Frenhinol Cymru, the Show is running from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 July 2026 at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells.
The 2026 Show is under way and continues through Thursday 23 July. Timings and weather-dependent displays can change; check the official app or timetable before crossing the Showground.
Choose three or four priority stops before you arrive. The Showground is large, and leaving some unplanned time makes the day much more enjoyable.
1. Main Ring highlights
Shetland Pony Grand National
A 2026 Main Ring debut is the Shetland Pony Grand National, appearing at the Royal Welsh Show for the first time.
Young jockeys race registered Shetland ponies in a fast, competitive event. The short race format gives families a clear, timed spectacle.
RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team
The RAF Falcons, the Royal Air Force's official parachute display team, are listed in the official programme on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, weather permitting.
The display can include formation skydiving, coloured smoke and parachutists carrying flags before landing near the Main Ring.
Paul Hannam's Quad Bike Stunt Show
The programme also includes Paul Hannam's Quad Bike Stunt Show.
The display combines precision riding, jumps, obstacles and daring stunts performed around the arena.
Hawkeye Falconry UK
Hawkeye Falconry UK is listed for daily flying demonstrations with birds of prey.
Visitors can learn about the birds' behaviour and conservation while seeing their speed and agility up close.
Meirion Owen and the Quack Pack
Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs guide ducks through obstacles using voice and whistle commands.
The routine shows precise working-dog control through a comic duck-herding task.
Music and anniversary displays
The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh is listed for brass and military music in the programme.
The opening-day programme on Monday 20 July included a display celebrating the 90th anniversary of Wales Young Farmers Clubs, along with a performance by the Hawkstone Farmers' Choir.
2. Animals and agriculture
Cynefin Sheep Village
A new dedicated Sheep Village called Cynefin is new for 2026.
The Welsh word cynefin can refer to a habitat or place of belonging, reflecting the connection between sheep, landscape and rural communities.
Livestock and equine competitions
Livestock and horse competitions remain at the heart of the Royal Welsh Show.
Competitors present cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses and ponies. The smaller judging rings are often the best places to get close to the animals and see the agricultural side of the Show in action.
Heavy Horse Village
The Heavy Horse Village returned after being introduced in 2025.
Visitors can learn about the strength, history and traditional agricultural role of heavy horses. The Tristar Carriage Driving team is also listed in the Main Ring programme.
3. Villages, food and shopping
Horticulture Village
The Horticulture Village returns with gardening talks, live demonstrations, competition displays and practical activities.
British Army drone racing
The British Army Drone Sports Association is listed for drone-racing displays combining flying skill with science and engineering.
Welsh food at Gwledd | Feast
Welsh producers are grouped in the Food Hall and the Welsh Food Village, Gwledd | Feast.
It is a good place to find lunch, sample or buy Welsh produce and take a break from the busiest parts of the Showground.
More than 1,000 tradestands
Visitors can browse agricultural machinery, countryside equipment, clothing, crafts, artwork, homeware, gifts and food.
Alongside major rural businesses, the exhibitor list also includes independent Welsh makers and producers.
4. Planning your visit
Download the official Royal Welsh app for the map, programme, competition results, traffic updates, weather and safety information.
Wear comfortable footwear and prepare for changeable Welsh weather. A light waterproof, refillable water bottle and portable phone charger can all be useful.
If travelling by public transport, check the latest rail, shuttle-bus and TrawsCymru information. Drivers should follow the official park-and-ride signs rather than relying entirely on a sat-nav near the Showground.
Use a little Welsh
You will see bilingual signs and hear Welsh announcements throughout the event.
Good morning
Thank you
For more useful language, read Royal Welsh Show 2026: 25 Useful Welsh Words and Phrases.
A flexible half-day route
- Begin with one livestock ring while the animals and judging are your main focus.
- Move to Cynefin or the Heavy Horse Village for slower, conversation-led displays.
- Choose one timed Main Ring attraction only after checking the official app.
- Use Gwledd | Feast or a quieter village as a reset before the final stop.
If rain, wind or crowding changes the programme, keep the order but swap the timed attraction for an indoor hall. The route still works without racing across the Showground.
Sources and image credits
- Royal Welsh Agricultural Society: Main attractions for 2026
- Royal Welsh Agricultural Society: Showground facilities and live visitor information
- Royal Welsh Agricultural Society: Cynefin Sheep Village announcement
- Image rights: Rights and credits: credited media keeps the source and licence stated above or in its caption. For any older uncredited file, verify the Welsh Words media record before download, republication or syndication.
