Royal Welsh Show 2026: What to See, Do and Look Out For
On this page
From racing Shetland ponies and parachute displays to prize livestock, Welsh food and working sheepdogs, there will be plenty to see at the Royal Welsh Show 2026.
Known in Welsh as Sioe Frenhinol Cymru, the Show takes place from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 July 2026 at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells.
Choose three or four must-see attractions 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
One of the most exciting additions is the Shetland Pony Grand National, making its Royal Welsh Show debut in the Main Ring.
Young jockeys race registered Shetland ponies in a fast, competitive event likely to be especially popular with families.
RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team
The RAF Falcons, the Royal Air Force's official parachute display team, are scheduled to appear 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
For something louder, look out for 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 will bring birds of prey to the Showground for daily flying demonstrations.
Visitors can learn about the birds' behaviour and conservation while seeing their speed and agility up close.
Meirion Owen and the Quack Pack
A firm favourite, Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs will guide ducks through obstacles using voice and whistle commands.
The display mixes working-dog skill with plenty of humour.
Music and anniversary displays
The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh will bring brass and military music to the programme.
Monday 20 July also includes 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 will open in 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 returns after its successful introduction in 2025.
Visitors can learn about the strength, history and traditional agricultural role of heavy horses. The Tristar Carriage Driving team will also perform in the Main Ring.
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 due to stage fast-paced drone-racing displays combining flying skill with science and engineering.
Welsh food at Gwledd | Feast
Welsh producers will fill the Food Hall and the Welsh Food Village, Gwledd | Feast.
It is a good place to find lunch, discover 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, there are many independent Welsh makers and producers to discover.
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.
Royal Welsh Show 2026 Quiz 🐑
How much can you remember? Choose an answer before opening the green answer box.
1. Which attraction is making its Royal Welsh Show debut?
- a) Heavy Horse Village
- b) Shetland Pony Grand National
- c) Horticulture Village
- d) Food Hall
Show the answer
b) Shetland Pony Grand National. The young jockeys and their ponies will race in the Main Ring.
2. On which days are the RAF Falcons scheduled to appear?
- a) Monday only
- b) Tuesday and Thursday
- c) Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
- d) Every day
Show the answer
c) Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Their appearance is weather permitting.
3. What does cynefin refer to?
- a) A competition ring
- b) A habitat or place of belonging
- c) A Welsh food hall
- d) A breed of sheep
Show the answer
b) A habitat or place of belonging. The name reflects the relationship between sheep, landscape and rural communities.
4. Where can visitors find Welsh producers and food?
- a) Gwledd | Feast
- b) The Heavy Horse Village
- c) The Main Ring
- d) The Drone Sports area
Show the answer
a) Gwledd | Feast. This is the Welsh Food Village.
5. What simple Welsh phrase means 'thank you'?
- a) Bore da
- b) Croeso
- c) Diolch
- d) Mwynhewch
Show the answer
c) Diolch. It is one of the easiest and most useful Welsh words to use at the Show.
How did you do?
5 correct: Da iawn! You are ready for the Show.
3-4 correct: A strong result. Review the highlights once more.
0-2 correct: Have another quick look through the guide and try again.
