Royal Welsh Show would 'lose 拢1m' if changes to Wales's school holidays are approved

The Welsh government has outlined proposals that would see the summer break reduced by a week. The annual event said current plans would "create serious financial harm".

Tomos Evans

Wales reporter

Thursday 11 January 2024 11:58, UK

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A major annual event would "lose 拢1m" if changes to Wales's school holidays are approved.

The Royal Welsh Show takes place during the first week of the summer holidays in at Llanelwedd village near Builth Wells.

The society behind the event says it is "strongly opposed" to the current proposals to amend the school year.

It said the changes would "create serious financial harm" to one of the biggest events in the Welsh calendar, with almost a quarter of a million visitors annually.

Proposals outlined last year by the Welsh government would see the summer break reduced by a week.

Organisers say the event's economic impact is in excess of £40m.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society says it is "not against the principle of modifying the school year", but is urging the government to reconsider its current proposals.

Young people, families, teachers and school staff represent a "large proportion of [its] visitor profile".

The Royal Welsh Show's preliminary calculations show changes "would lead to a loss of income in excess of £1m".

Those calculations are based on "reduced gate sales, membership, and camping revenue", the society said.

Other implications would be unavailability of "over 50 school buses for the park and ride facility".

A Welsh government spokesperson said proposed changes to the school term were an "opportunity to design a school calendar that works better for learners, teachers and staff".

"We continue to engage with key stakeholders, like the Royal Welsh Show, and the public consultation offers everyone the opportunity to have their voice heard on the proposals."

The Welsh government's consultation remains open until 12 February.

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