A decision has been made not to run the Young People's Village at this year's Royal Welsh Show. Organised by the Wales Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (Wales YFC), every year it attracts more than 4,500 people from all around the UK.
But organisers have said that the cost of living crisis has heavily impacted the fees for running the camping and entertainment zone that coincides with the show, so the decision has been taken to cancel it for 2023.
In a statement they said that the show is a highlight for members and will continue to be a highlight, even though the village will not go ahead.
It said: "With a jam-packed competitions programme giving opportunities for members to develop skills and meet friends from all over Wales, the show is set to be another exciting feature to the YFC calendar.
"The decision has been made not to run the Young Peoples Village and put all of the organisation’s focus into the opportunities the show offers. Through competition, Rural Affairs, social and the development of partnerships the organisation hopes to flourish and are excited to welcome members to the Royal Welsh."
The decision will have an impact across the UK as the Village attracts busloads of visitors across the UK and is a major event in the Young Farmers' calendars.
But the Chairman of Wales YFC, Hefin Evans, said: "This is a decision which the organisation has not made lightly. A lot of thought and discussion has taken place with our members via the democratic processes in place. The cost-of-living crisis, increase fuel charges, equipment hire fees has had a massive impact of the infrastructure costs making it impossible for the organisation to make it a feasible option."
He added: "We must look at the bigger picture and safeguard the future of our organisation. We look forward to the show with a fresh slate and are excited to welcome members to the YFC Centre."
A spokesperson for Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said: We fully understand that the decision not to run the Young People’s Village at this year’s Royal Welsh Show has been a very difficult one for Wales YFC.
"Wales YFC and their members are an integral part of the Society and its future. Going forward in these challenging times, we will continue to support the organisation and build on our close working relationship.
"We are pleased that the young farmers are working on another jam-packed competitions programme for the Royal Welsh Show, which continues to be a highlight in the YFC calendar. We are also exploring opportunities to collaborate with Wales YFC throughout the year and are excited about the possibilities."
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