THE Welsh International Speed Shear returns to Builth Wells on Sunday, July 23, for its sixth year, in aid of local charities. 

The event, which raised over £10,000 for local good causes in 2022, is hosted annually on the Sunday before the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd. 

Organised by current and past members of Troedrhiwdalar YFC, this year’s event will be held at Builth Livestock Market in its amphitheatre-style arena. 

Last year’s event saw competitors from across the UK, Europe and the southern hemisphere compete, with the esteemed Jack Fagan, from New Zealand, becoming the open competition champion.  

Shearers will be able to enter junior, intermediate, senior, open and British classes, with the champion of each section winning prize money. Entries will be taken on the day of the event, with the junior heats kicking things off at 3pm. 

This year will also introduce an international test between the Welsh International Speed Shear and Wagga Wagga Speed Shear – a southern hemisphere team who are visiting Wales as part of their UK tour. 

Aled Jones, chairman of the Welsh International Speed Shear, said: “We’re looking forward to hosting the event again this year ahead of the Royal Welsh Show.

“It marks the start of a busy week in the shearing calendar and people look forward to the electric atmosphere of the competition. 

“The speed shear is growing year on year; we had a record 163 entries last year and we’re confident we can build on this again in 2023. All proceeds in 2022 went to local charities so we’re looking forward to supporting even more good causes with the funds we raise this year. 

“Without our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to go ahead with such a successful event and we really do appreciate the support they give.”.