This year’s chairman of Llanfyllin Show has praised everyone associated with organising the annual event, which takes place on Saturday, August 13.

It’s the second time that Emyr Jones, a sheep farmer from Llwydiarth, near Llanfyllin, has been chairman, having previously held the post in the late 1990s and he’s looking forward with excitement to the event, which has developed a reputation as the “friendly show”.

“Everyone looks forward to the show and we are fortunate to have an army of helpers who volunteer every year,” he said. “They come to set up for the show and are there again on Sundaymorning to clear up by lunchtime.

“The committee works very hard but we could not put on the show without the support of the helpers. It’s all down to teamwork and fantastic community spirit. The show brings together people from the town and countryside and it’s a great place for friends to meet.”

Emyr reserved special praise for president Mrs Moyra Griffiths who hosted a successful president’s lunch in a marquee at Aston Hall, Oswestry, on July 24 and for the show’s efficient secretary Jill Hollinshead, who he said was “worth her weight in gold”.

He believes the show is fortunate to have use of one of the best showgrounds in Wales at Bodfach Park, by permission of Simon and Maggie Baynes and Janet Jones.

Although the show no longer has a cattle section, the sheep, horticulture, sheep shearing and other sections have grown over the years to make the event one of the biggest in the region.

“The show has grown fantastically and the attendances in recent year have been phenomenal,” added Emyr, whose wife Maggie and three children, Robert, Catherine and Lucy all support the event. “It’s known as the friendly show and we try to arrange entertainment for all the family.”

Star attraction this year is Above and Beyond, who perform visually stunning and breathtaking aerial displays, combining the grace of dance with acrobatic agility and circus. The show opens at9am and the last event in the main ring is terrier racing at 6pm.

Local sheepdog trials are held on the eve and day of the show and the Village Green has children’s activities and performances by Tanat Folk Dancers and Porthywaen Silver Band, while a fashion show, organised by Jems Dress Agency, Oswestry, is held in the horticulture marquee.

Other attractions include showjumping, a donkey derby, fun fair, a display by Montgomeryshire Vintage Club, Tanatside Hounds and trade stands.