As you know Welsh Country is a huge supporter of buying local and also supporting local businesses and events.
Just two examples of this are the comprehensive listing of Farmers Markets across Wales which can be found at www.welshcountry.co.uk/farmers-markets-in-wales/ .
In addition to this the Welsh country website also has a wider event listing at www.welshcountry.co.uk/festivals-events-calendar/.
Both operate on a free of charge basis.
This year though many rural shows are not running for various reasons which is sad to see. It is therefore so good to see a politician standing up and saying that local events are important and should have more support.
Speaking during the Welsh Conservative debate today, (14th July), Janet Finch – Saunders expressed that she would like to see a greater level of funding allocated to small to medium sized organised events across Wales.
Speaking during the debate, Janet said:
“Summer’s here and so are some of the biggest outdoor events in Wales. From the Royal Welsh to the National Eisteddfod, Wales is a hot spot for summertime events and festivals which bring together friends and families.
“As the nation begins to move forward from the Pandemic, we need to focus on getting visitors back and giving them the confidence that Wales is open for business and that the Welsh Government is committed to supporting the needs of local communities during the peak visitor period.”
Commenting further, Janet said.
“On the 25th of June I attended the Llanrwst show. Established some 140 years ago, the rural agricultural show promotes locally produced food and crafts and marks an important date in the agricultural calendar. Attracting competitors and visitors from all over North Wales, its events such as this that inject a vibrant atmosphere into our towns and cities.
Unlike big events such as the Royal Welsh, funding options are far more limited to smaller rural organised events. This is why, in March last year, I called for the establishment of a Rural Shows Development Fund which would:
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Have grants made available to all shows to help with marketing, safety measures, and even greater diversification;
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Include a set of operational guidance for agricultural shows so that they can come back with confidence;
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See Visit Wales publish an ‘Agricultural Show Trail for Wales – encouraging people to attend these events where so much can be learnt about farming, food, and crafts.”
Janet will continue to champion locally organised events and seek further funding from the Welsh Government.
Welsh Country will continue to support local generally across the whole of Wales.
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