Game fair coup for showground as event switches from Gelli Aur
CARMARTHEN’S Nantyci showground will host the Welsh Game Fair this summer.
In what has been described as a major coup for the town, it will see the event move from Llandeilo’s Gelli Aur for the first time in its history since it started in 1986.
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The Welsh Game Fair will move from Gelli Aur to Carmarthen’s Nantyci showground
Carmarthen Business leaders said they are relishing welcoming the show to the town over the weekend of June 16 and 17.
They hope the town can capitalise on the move, with the thousands who head to the fair in turn spending their money in local shops and businesses.
Carmarthen Chamber of Trade and Commerce discussed the move at last week’s meeting.
Treasurer John Nash said: “This is a great move for the show ground to be hosting the fair.
“As a chamber we should be making sure the town benefits from the Game Fair coming here.”
The popular event has been held in Llandeilo for more than a quarter of a century and bosses at the show ground said the venue is ready to welcome thousands of people.
Mr Nash added: “We need to ensure that visitors to the Game Fair, know that the town is within easy reach.
“Whether that means coming up with a marketing plan to advertise the town in the coming months or simply us as traders being on the gate with flyers and copies of the town map.
“Either way we have to make sure Carmarthen town centre sees the benefits of the game fair coming to Nantyci.”
Previous years have seen the businesses along with the bed and breakfast and hotel industry benefit in Llandeilo due to the event.
The chamber the fair will have a similar impact Carmarthen with accommodation booked up weeks ahead.
Speaking generally about the Nantyci site and the town over the coming year, chamber member Andy James said Carmarthen had a strong calendar of events on offer.
Bosses at the showground are equally excited about the prestigious game fair coming to the town.
Ellis Davies, treasurer of the United Counties Agricultural Society, which runs the show ground said: “Being able to host the game fair at Nantyci proves that the showground is attracting top events over the coming months.
“It is in a prime location on the edge of Carmarthen and served by the A40 dual carriageway.”
He added: “We have close links with the county’s tourism association and are going to be in talks with them about marketing the event.”
5 Comments
by ironicbliss
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 11:13PM
“HUWWUH Theres traffic congestion heading west in the summer full stop. It isn't a reason not to hold the event in Carmarthen though. The benefits for the show and the wider local economy I believe out weigh the inevitable congestion. Traffic congestion is a global pain in the backside. Lets hope the council and organisers do their utmost to encourage visitors to use subsidised train and coach travel. Whether CCC are able to think outside the box will remain to be seen. I would say Crosshands be the perfect destination for motorists to park up and ride onto the event by bus.”
by huwwuh
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 9:34PM
“At least the disruption was only for people visiting the Game fair when it was held at Gelli Aur. By holding it in Carmarthen it will affect anyone traveling west, unless as you have pointed out the council get organised. Based on past experience they would need a miracle.”
by swanseajock
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 8:47PM
“Of course he hasn't tried visiting the previous location, he just likes complaining!!”
by ironicbliss
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:35AM
“Excellent news for Carmarthen. The council now need to maximize the potential benefits for the town by starting an advertising campaign both in print and on television and cinema. And work in partnership with Arriva Train Wales and local bus companies to keep traffic congestion on the roads to a minimum. And HUWWUH have you ever tried visiting the event at its former location??”
by huwwuh
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 9:24AM
“More traffic chaos at Carmarthen for those travelling West.”