‘Stay safe’ campaign is launched for Royal Welsh Show

A campaign encouraging people to “have fun, take care and stay safe” during Royal Welsh Show (RWS) week has been launched.

The Builth Wells Event Safety Group has launched the campaign ahead of the return of Wales’ premier agricultural show later this month after two years of Covid cancellations.

There have been a few serious and tragic incidents at the show in recent years. James Corfield, 19, from Montgomery died after falling into a river during a night out in Builth Wells during the show in 2018.

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In 2016, 20 firefighters tackled a large blaze, which started after a straw trailer caught fire outside the livestock gate.

Thousands of people are expected to descend upon the RWS showground in Llanelwedd, near Builth, and surrounding areas in Powys for the annual celebration of Welsh agriculture and rural Wales.

The campaign, backed by Wales YFC, will see a series of posters and banners displayed at licensed premises during Royal Welsh Show week (18-21 July), encouraging people in a creative and humorous way to behave responsibly. The measures aim to reduce public risk and improve the safety of those in and around Builth Wells during the period of the show.

Other safety measures in place will include:

• Safe walking route known as the Green Route
• Drug amnesty boxes will be placed on approaches to venues in and around Builth Wells
• Welfare support to be provided by street pastors at night during Royal Welsh Show week
• Medical and wellbeing centre operated by St John Cymru from the Strand Hall.

Cllr Richard Church, from Powys County Council, said: “While we welcome the show’s return, it’s important that visitors and residents enjoy the annual agricultural event safely.

“We want people to drink and behave responsibly and to look after themselves and their friends. As long as people have fun, take care and stay safe then they will have a memorable time during Royal Welsh Show week.”

‘Please act responsibly’

Steve Hughson, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “We applaud the success of the Builth Wells Event Safety Group in extending safety measures into the town and bringing all the various events that take place in Show week together in one place.

“The measures will improve the safety of everyone coming to Builth and we encourage visitors to follow the guidance, act responsibly and look after each other. Have a great show.”

• Visit the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society website to buy Royal Welsh Show tickets in advance. Day tickets are priced at £32, with children at £5.