A FESTIVAL to celebrate rural life will be returning to Llandovery later this year.

The Llandovery Sheep Festival will be returning to the town centre in September.

It will celebrate rural crafts, food and entertainment, as well as the old drovers’ trails, sheep farming and the wool industry.

The return of the festival also sees a new chairperson and committee take charge, with Rachel Everett being appointed the chairwoman of the Llandovery Sheep Festival.

The Cynghordy native has almost 30 years of event management, organising antiques fairs all over the UK and in France, before moving back to the area to care for her mother.

Rachel said: “The Llandovery Sheep Festival has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2010. It is an event that’s been wholeheartedly embraced by the people of Llandovery and its success is very much a reflection of that.

“Events such as this are important to the agricultural community, not only in terms of bringing people together, but also in terms of showcasing the best of local produce, goods and services.

“As the new chairman of the event I want to consolidate all the hard work that my predecessors have achieved since the festival began. They are large shoes to fill and although I have only recently moved to the area, I am determined to do my best to help local residents, farmers and businesses to show off everything that Llandovery and the local area has to offer.

“The concept behind this community led festival is to showcase the best of Llandovery, to share its cultural identity and historical past through the promotion of the wool industry and the local farming economy. This year’s packed programme will certainly not disappoint and will have something for everyone.”

There will be almost 100 exhibitors displaying items such as textiles, arts and crafts and locally produced food and drink. There will also be entertainment and live music, a climate change forum and a range of workshops and courses.

Llandovery Sheep Festival will be held on September 16 and 17 in the town’s Market Square and Castle car park.

Anyone interested in having a stall at the event or volunteering, email info@llandoverysheepfestival.co.uk