A brand-new sheep village is set to be unveiled at this year’s Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd from July 20-23.
A collaboration between the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) and the National Sheep Association (NSA), Cynefin promises to be one of the major attractions at this year’s show, celebrating the role of sheep farming in Wales.
Located on the site of the former NSA Pavilion, the village will bring together more than 18 exhibitors, including the NSA, sheep breed societies, research bodies such as the Morenden Foundation, who are bringing their interactive educational bus and a wide range of organisations involved in animal health and breeding.
Designed to appeal to both farmers and the general public, Cynefin will feature a varied programme of educational activities, demonstrations and displays, highlighting best practice and innovation in the industry.
The new village is designed to help visitors to better understand sheep farming and the role it plays in shaping Wales’ landscape and heritage.
A major attraction within the village will be the RWAS Fleece Competition, held in partnership with British Wool, which has received a record-breaking entry of more than 100 fleeces this year.
A new mini food court and seating area will offer visitors the chance to sample Welsh Lamb. The lamb will be supplied by this year’s RWAS president, Gethin Havard and his family.
In celebration of Brecknock as the 2026 feature county, a dedicated stand will showcase its native breeds, including the Beulah Speckled Face, Brecknock Hill Cheviot, Epynt Hardy Speckled Face and Talybont Welsh Mountain.
Visitors can also explore the growing diversity of sheep-related products, including a stand featuring sheep milk ice cream and dairy, as well as wool spinners in action and a retail space selling premium wool items.
Aled Rhys Jones, RWAS chief executive, said:
“We’re very much looking forward to launching Cynefin at this year’s show. It will be a true celebration of everything sheep.
“Over recent years, we’ve made a conscious effort to introduce new villages and areas to the showground, ensuring that we continue to evolve, adapt and bring fresh, exciting elements to what is a much-loved national institution.
“Cynefin is a fantastic addition, celebrating the importance of sheep farming in Wales while offering something engaging and educational for all our visitors.”
Visitors will be welcomed by a handmade statue of a Welsh Mountain ram, commissioned especially for the launch.
The NSA will also deliver a full programme of events and seminars throughout the week and the NSA Bar will remain in its usual location.
Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said:
“Visitors to the show will notice the NSA building has now been dismantled which clearly marks the end of an era that has been important to many people in the sheep industry.
“As one door closes, another opens and we have the chance to give the whole area a fresh approach and play a bigger role in communicating the diversity and benefits of our industry to a wider audience and the public. We are delighted to be working with the RWAS on this fresh approach.”
The NSA stand will host a series of informal talks and discussions on a range of topical issues, including recent changes to livestock worrying legislation with input from local Rural Crime Teams, innovative uses for wool, the impact of recent wildfires and vital conservation work to protect curlews in Wales. There will be plenty for younger visitors too, with a selection of children's activities on offer throughout the event.
Cynefin will be officially opened at 11:30am on the first day of the show by two stalwarts of the Welsh sheep industry; Alun Evans CBE and Margaret Dalton OBE.
The RWAS thanked the NSA, exhibitors, sponsors and supporters who have contributed to bringing this new initiative to life.
The Royal Welsh Show 2026 is held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
Full event details and ticket information are available at https://rwas.wales/ .
