Builth Wells Event Safety Group has launched a safety campaign ahead of the return of Wales’ premier agricultural show this week (July 18-21).
The campaign will see a series of posters and banners displayed at licenced premises during Royal Welsh Show week, encouraging people in a creative and humorous way, to behave responsibly.
It is one of a series of measures that will be introduced by the safety group, which was formed in 2017 and is led by Powys County Council. The measures aim to reduce public risk and improve the safety of those in and around Builth Wells during the period of the show.
Other safety measures that will also be in place include:
- Safe walking route known as the Green Route
- Drug amnesty boxes will be placed on approaches to venues in and around Builth Wells
- Welfare support to be provided by street pastors at night during show week
- Medical and wellbeing centre operated by St John Cymru from the Strand Hall.
Follow the Green Route
Visitors to the Royal Welsh Show and the surrounding area are specifically asked to exercise care when travelling between the various venues including the showground, Young Peoples Village, Penmaenau Farm and Builth Wells town.
In particular, care should be taken to avoid the river and traffic on what can be a busy trunk road. To facilitate safe travel between the various sites, a ‘Green Route’ has been established for those travelling on foot.
Showgoers are asked to study the route which will be clearly marked and to make every effort to stick within it.
Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council’s cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The return of the Royal Welsh Show after three years will undoubtedly draw tens of thousands of visitors to Builth Wells and the surrounding area.
“While we welcome the show’s return, it’s important that visitors and residents enjoy the annual agricultural event safely. Although this campaign is humorous in its approach, it does have important safety messages for those in and around Builth Wells during Royal Welsh Show week.
“We want people to drink and behave responsibly and to look after themselves and their friends. As long as people Have Fun, Take Care and Stay Safe then they will have a memorable time during Royal Welsh Show week.
“We understand that some of the measures that will be in place may cause some disruption for residents living in Builth Wells. However, they are necessary to keep visitors and residents safe throughout Royal Welsh Show week.”
Steve Hughson, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chief executive, said: “The Royal Welsh has played a leading role in helping to improve safety inside and outside our perimeter fence.
“We applaud the success of the Builth Wells Event Safety Group in extending safety measures into the town and bringing all the various events that take place in show week together in one place.
“The measures will improve the safety of everyone coming to Builth and we encourage visitors to follow the guidance, act responsibly and look after each other. Have a great show.”
