Powys: Royal Welsh Show calls to scrap school term change

The show is a flagship event in the Welsh calendar and show chiefs fear they could lose £1 million if proposals to amend the school term dates in Wales go ahead.

Under new proposals by the Welsh Government, the summer break for school pupils could be reduced by one week from 2026, meaning schools would still be open during the Royal Welsh Show, which takes place at the end of July.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), organisers of the show, say these changes would create serious financial harm to the event.

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The RWAS is asking its supporters to respond to a public consultation before it closes on February 12, with the move backed by Montgomeryshire Member of the Senedd, Russell George.

“All Welsh schools could be open during the week of the Royal Welsh Show from 2026 if a Welsh Government consultation on changes to the school year gets the green light,” said the RWAS in a statement this week.

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“The RWAS is not against the principle of modifying the school year. It is asking the government to reconsider their proposed holiday dates so that the Royal Welsh Show is always in the summer holidays.

“The RWAS is aware there is a determination in the Welsh Government to force this through even though it is has been widely condemned by the teachings unions, the tourist industry and farming community.

“Many of the organisations that represent these groups have met and agree that the initial step to halt this reform is to get as many people to respond to the consultation as possible.

“Please let the Welsh Government know how precious the Royal Welsh Show is to us all and that it is essential that it is held during schools’ summer holidays.”

Around a quarter of a million people visit the Royal Welsh Show annually and it is considered to be the largest agricultural show of its kind in Europe.

The economic impact of the event is in excess of £40m and there is approximately £10m visitor spend during the event itself.

It has traditionally taken place during the first week of the school summer holidays in Llanelwedd, just outside Builth Wells.

A decision is due this spring but the proposed changes, if given the go-ahead, would take effect from September 2025, with the first shortened summer break starting in July 2026.

‘‘The Royal Welsh Show is incredibly important to Powys, and it is disappointing to learn how it could be affected by these proposals,” said Montgomeryshire MS, Mr George.

“The proposals from the Welsh Government directs further uncertainty towards an industry already grappling with huge policy changes and budgetary cuts.

“The Royal Welsh Show offers people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about Wales’ agricultural and rural way of life. Any changes that jeopardise that should be scrapped immediately.”

You can respond to the consultation by visiting https://www.gov.wales/structure-school-year.