AFTER more than 18 months of pandemic, panic and putting life on hold, swathes of people swarmed Powys for the return of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair this week.

Having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, the popular winter event – the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s sidekick to the sizzling summer spectacle, the Royal Welsh Show – was frozen in time as Covid-19 forced its cancellation 12 months ago.

But, despite the fact the Royal Welsh was cancelled for a second time this July, the easing of restrictions has allowed for the Winter Fair to go ahead this week, with crowds flocking to the showground in Llanelwedd, just outside Builth Wells, on Monday and Tuesday, November 29 and 30.

The society’s outgoing chairman David Lewis said as he opened the event on Monday: “Let us be encouraged by the tremendous and truly outstanding quality of produce, both here in the showrings and in the exhibition halls. We are very proud of it.

“Let it not be forgotten that Welsh agriculture is the backbone – the spine of our communities, and we all have a responsibility to support and broadcast this positive message far and wide.”

From livestock competitors to hundreds of tradestands, including the finest display of Welsh produce in the renowned food hall, as well as unique festive gifts and agricultural equipment, there is something for everyone on display, while Monday evening saw the return of the popular firework display.

Chief executive Steve Hughson added: “After 18 months of uncertainty, it is fantastic to hold the Winter Fair on our showground again.

“Our events bring people together to celebrate the very best of Wales and it has been truly inspirational to see people’s happy faces, fantastic livestock, great Welsh produce and a wide range of displays and trade stands all creating one of our favourite events. For us and many others, Christmas starts here.”

Check out our gallery to see what the return of the Winter Fair in 2021 has been all about.