ROYAL Welsh 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, meaning schools would be open during the Royal Welsh Show. 

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), organisers of the show, say these changes would create serious financial harm to the event, which takes place during the first week of the school summer holidays in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Schools in Wales have typically broken up the week before the Royal Welsh Show. The 2024 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday to Thursday, July 22-25, with schools set to finish on Friday, July 19.

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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.

Changes would see the week-long October half term break extended to a fortnight, while the consultation will also ask for views on the summer holiday being reduced to four weeks in future, adding a week to the May half term.

“We are extremely concerned about the impact these changes will have, including taking away the ability for young people, families, teachers and school staff to attend the show which represents a large proportion of our visitor profile,” said a RWAS spokesperson.

“Preliminary calculations show that the changes would lead to a loss of income in excess of £1 million, from reduced gate sales, membership and camping revenue.

“The changes would also lead to reduced attendance, affecting the trade for our exhibitors and catering vendors, not to mention the wider economic impact on the several businesses who benefit from the event both regionally and nationally.

“In addition, thousands of children compete at the Royal Welsh Show each year, in both young farmer competitions and young handler and junior classes.

“This proposed change would remove the opportunity for young people to compete at the show, and to learn and showcase their skills.

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“Furthermore, the proposal would result in major practical implications. The Royal Welsh Show hires over 50 school buses for the park and ride facility each year. If schools remain open during the show week, these buses will not be available.

“The society also relies on almost 1,000 volunteers to stage the Royal Welsh Show each year, many of these are families and school teachers who would not be able to attend the show if these proposals come into effect.”

Forestry Journal: The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society say changes would create serious financial harm to the event, which takes place during the first week of the school summer holidays. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society say changes would create serious financial harm to the event, which takes place during the first week of the school summer holidays. (Image: Phil Blagg)

Almost 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.

While the RWAS is not against the principle of modifying the school year and understands the sentiment behind the proposals, it is asking the Welsh Government to reconsider their proposed dates so that the Royal Welsh Show is always in the summer holidays.

“According to our visitor surveys, we know that 68 per cent of visitors attend the show with their family,” added the RWAS spokesperson.

“As a charity, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society represents members all over Wales and 70 per cent of our members are part of family groups. These may not be able to attend the show in the future should the changes come into effect.

“Family attendance at the Royal Welsh Show is of the utmost importance to the society and we offer a range of children’s entertainment, competitions and activities, such as the sports arena, country pursuits area, and our new horticultural village."

Forestry Journal: Thousands of children compete at the Royal Welsh Show each year, in both young farmer competitions and young handler and junior classes. Picture by Phil Blagg. Thousands of children compete at the Royal Welsh Show each year, in both young farmer competitions and young handler and junior classes. Picture by Phil Blagg.

The RWAS says it is in discussion with Welsh education minister Jeremy Miles and will be collating evidence in the coming weeks to support its objection, and will submit a “robust response” to the consultation document.

The spokesperson added: “The RWAS urges all our members, volunteers, supporters and stakeholders to submit a consultation response before February 12 via the Welsh Government website.”

This article originally appeared in our sister title, the Powys County Times.