EXPERTS on all aspects of growing, livestock, poultry and smallholding are gearing up for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s two-day Smallholder and Garden Festival at the end of next week.

The event, due to take place on May 21 and 22, draws up to 25,000 people to the Royal Welsh showground at Llanelwedd, in Builth Wells, where a packed programme awaits visitors.

Key issues highlighted this year at the festival include the environment and sustainable living.

This year’s event will have a more extensive and varied programme than ever before. In addition, there will be more than 300 agricultural and craft stands.

Livestock schedules will have conventional and rare breeds on display, including pygmy, angora and dairy goats, the largest pig show in the country with up to about 300 entries, as well as llamas and alpacas, cattle, sheep, poultry and waterfowl.

For the first time the event will feature a traditional, rare and native cattle breeds competition, which will be judged by farmer and Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.

Countryside culture will also be on show, with a folk dance festival, farriery competitions, a vintage machinery display, farmers’ markets, and bee-keeping displays by the Welsh Beekeepers’ Association.

The festival will also host workshops, talks and question- and-answer sessions on smallholding, horticultural, environmental and countryside matters.

Man’s best friend will be there with an open dog show, a qualifier for Crufts with more than 1,000 entries.

The main ring entertainment will include the exciting Mid Wales Axe Racing team, Hawkesdrift Falconry, the Waldburg Shires and spectacular scurry driving.

The floral hall is a mustsee, as is a Gardening Question Time hosted by radio and TV presenters.

For advance tickets and further information visit rwas.co.uk, call 01982 553683 or e-mail smallholder@rwas.co.uk