By Anwen Francis

When you visit Llandysul Agricultural Show this year on Saturday, 1 September, your eyes will be drawn to some very colourful, funky and creatively designed rubbish bins as part of a new competition organised by the show committee specifically for junior schools.

Over 10 schools in the area have been asked to design bins to be located around the show field and the entries are flooding in.

“We needed new bins for the show field and thought it would be a good idea to ask local schools to design them for us. Each school has been asked to decorate the bins and the winning school will receive a plaque and a donation with the winner being judged by our President Mr and Mrs L. Organ on show morning,” explained Chairman of the Show, Angus Wyse.

The show, held at Caeau Hengae Fields, Saron by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Angus Wyse and Mr and Mrs John Marks and Son, will have classes for all – agricultural, horticultural, cattle, horses, sheep, dogs and domestic. There will be YFC competitions, a foxhound display, an array of trade stands, a craft/food fair and a demonstration marquee as well as a popular vintage display.

Agricultural Shows are always trying different things to increase entries and to attract more spectators.This year, for the first time in the show’s history, Llandysul Show is introducing a bleating new section – all for goats. With three classes – Best Adult Goat, Best Goatling and Any Variety Kid, all sponsored by Richard and Sian Jones of the Chuckling Goat company in Brynhoffnant, the show committee hopes that new exhibitors will support the show this year.

Over in the horse section, a new Retrained to Race Horse Section has been introduced with two classes – the novice open ridden and an open ridden; the new Veteran Horse or Pony Section sees an in hand class and under saddle, with both sections being judged by Mr Mark Lewis.

There is also a novelty section with entries taken on the field and no entry fee. With classes for Prettiest Pony, Thelwell Lookalike, Fancy Dress and Best First Ridden Walk and Trot – there is something for all at Llandysul Show.

Beth Davies has been show secretary since around 1985 and says that things have changed tremendously.

“On top of the usual show work and preparation, we also have more paper work with government rules. It definitely isn’t as easy as say 20 years ago. We’ve lost many exhibits due to TB and various diseases, we’ve lost members, some have passed away and we’ve gained other new ones. We are always trying to get more new members who can work alongside our more experienced members to see what it’s like to organise a show and see the work that goes on behind the scenes.”

Most agricultural shows this year are trying to entice the younger generation, and Llandysul Agricultural Show is no exception.

Most of us who live near to Llandysul have been enchanted by the voice of Bryn Fon at the annual Llandysul Agricultural Show dance over the years. Buses would arrive from north, mid and south Wales to dance the night away. This year however, following the retirement of Bryn Fon as the main act at the show for the past 20 years, a re-vamped night has been organised to entice the younger generation to attend.

Angus added: “Most of us have bopped away to Bryn Fon over the years and now it’s time for a change and time to showcase some new talent from the area.”

2018 will see local bands Ha’i Fand, Newshan and Dafydd Pantrod a’i Fand on stage from 8pm to 12 and entry fee is £10.

Field will open to the public at 9am with judging to commence at 9.30am.

For further information contact show secretary Beth Davies at Tynewydd, Gorrig, Llandysul or by calling 07901 716957 or 01559 362850. Alternatively, you can email bethan@cd1340f9.co.uk or visit llandysulshow.co.uk.