Sheep drovers have returned to the streets of Hay-on-Wye for the first time in more than a century as part of celebrations marking this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
THE SPECIAL procession took place during the launch of the 2026 Royal Welsh Show at the Hay Festival’s Dairy Meadows site, attracting hundreds of spectators eager to witness a tradition not seen in the town for generations.
Local drovers and their flocks followed historic routes once used to move livestock across Wales and beyond, retracing the footsteps of their forefathers in a celebration of the nation’s agricultural heritage.
The event was organised to highlight a number of new developments planned for this year’s Royal Welsh Show, including the introduction of a new sheep village, Cynefin, at the Llanelwedd showground.
The launch also marked the first collaboration between the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) and the Hay Festival, a partnership that comes as Brecknock prepares to host the 2026 show.
Royal Welsh Show President Gethin Havard described the spectacle as a memorable moment.
“Seeing sheep travelling along the old drovers’ route again was truly an extraordinarily moving spectacle,” he said.
RWAS Chief Executive Aled Rhys Jones said the event had generated excitement ahead of the show.
“The 250-strong crowd at the event was enthralled with what they saw and I’m sure they’ll be equally as enamoured with all the other new developments we have waiting for them at this year’s show,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, members of Wales YFC performed the federation’s anthem, Bydd Wych, under the guidance of RWAS ambassador Teleri Haf Thomas.
The performance formed part of the organisation’s 90th anniversary celebrations and showcased the continuing role young people play in Welsh rural life.
With just over 50 days remaining until the Royal Welsh Show opens its gates, organisers also announced that Major Andy Butcher MBE will officially open the 2026 event.
Held annually at Llanelwedd near Builth Wells, the Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe’s largest agricultural events, attracting thousands of exhibitors, competitors and visitors from across Wales and beyond.
