Caernarfon ends role as RWAS feature county

THE Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Annual Council Meeting held at the showground marked the official handover of Feature County responsibilities from Caernarfon to Brecknock for 2026.

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The meeting celebrated a year of fundraising, community events, and unwavering county spirit, while welcoming the new team who will lead the society into the coming year.

Under the leadership of President John Owen and supported by Ambassador Rhys Griffith, Caernarfon has brought exceptional energy, commitment, and unity to its 2025 Feature County year. Their programme of events and fundraising activities has culminated in an impressive fundraising total of £252,774.

Chair of Council, Nicola Davies, praised the Caernarfon team for their dedication: "On behalf of the Council and the Society, we thank you John, and your wife Marian and all the members of Caernarfon for an unforgettable year. You've certainly put Caernarfon on the map, and we've enjoyed a hugely successful year."

Over the past two years, Caernarfon delivered a varied calendar of events with highlights including the Official Launch of the show at Bangor University, the Hill Farming Event at Hafod y Llan Farm, Eryri, an away day at Chester races, clay pigeon shooting, quiz nights, auctions, fashion shows, breakfast get togethers, evening dinners, concerts and choirs, all of which played a key role in rallying the county and contributing to this year's fundraising achievements. The county also commissioned a 'Cerdd Groeso' a Welsh welcome poem, by the renowned Bard Myrddin ap Dafydd to mark Caernarfon's year as feature county.

During his final address, President John Owen expressed his gratitude to his county committee and supporters: "It has been a truly special year. Although it began with a few challenges, it has grown from strength to strength, and I am incredibly grateful to the Society for its support throughout. Our year as the Feature County has created a wonderful sense of pride and community within Caernarfon and beyond. It has also underlined the importance of the Society - not only to the agricultural industry, but to Wales as a whole.