Tal-y-bont Agricultural Show
One of the most important events in the life of Tal-y-bont and the surrounding area, is the annual agricultural show, held in August.
2005 SHOW
Black Lion fields 27 August 2005
Presidents: Hywel and Elizabeth Evans
[ PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
approximate timetable
8.30 field open to the public
9.00 judging of horse section
10.30 judging of cattle, sheep and poultry
1.00 Marquee open to public
1.00 shire horse judging
2.00 dog show and shearing competition
3.30 presentation of livestock trophies and prizes
4.30 presentation of trophies in Marquee
5.00 dog races
ADMISSION
adults: £4.00; OAPs: £2.00; children under 14: 50c
free parking
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HISTORY OF THE SHOW
The Tal-y-bont and North Ceredigion Agricultural and Horticultural Society was established on 19 February 1896 with the aim of offering prizes to tenants, freeholders and cottagers of the district between the river Llyfnant and the river Rheidol in North Ceredigion. This aim was to be realised by organising an annual agricultural and horticultural show in September of the same year.
The show was a great success from the very beginning, with the number of classes and entries increasing from year to year. Some of the main attractions in the earlier shows were horse racing, trotting and turnouts. Despite the great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s there were some notable shows, and such was its success that it was decided to make it an open show, allowing people and animals from outside the district to compete. By this time the show had earned a reputation as one of the best shows in Ceredigion for the high quality of its exhibits.
After the Second World War (1939-1945) the agricultural industry was faced with vast changes and challenges to its old ways and these innovations were reflected in the shows. The 1950s were difficult years due to a lack of support and unfavourable weather. During this period a number of shows in Ceredigion became extinct. However, the 1960s saw the Tal-y-bont show reanimated and since then has evolved into one of the best one-day shows in Wales.
The probable explanation for the show's continued success is its ability to adapt to change and to experiment rather than be totally rooted in the past. Its main feature is that it has remained the show of Welsh breeds from the very beginning, especially Welsh Black Cattle, Welsh Mountain Sheep, and Welsh Ponies and Cobs. While other shows were turning to other breeds, Tal-y-bont remained faithful to the local indigenous ones.
The horticultural marquee has expanded considerably since the 1970s and the standard of exhibits has been extremely high at times.
In addition to the display of vintage farm machinery out on the field, it was decided in the past few years to include a crafts exhibition and there are some ambitious plans to expand this section in the year 2000 show.
The show is held annually on the Saturday preceding August Bank Holiday.
For additional information on the show, see Bwrlwm Sioe by Hefin Llwyd. Published by Tal-y-bont Show Committee, 1996. Price £5
