Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A petition to bring the Bedwellty Show back to Blackwood has been signed by more than 2,000 people.

The agricultural show, which used to be held on the showfields, moved to Llancaiach Fawr, near Nelson in 2016 – with organisers saying there would be no show had it not moved, due to the financial pressures of holding it at the site.

Normally held in August, the show was last held in 2019, having been cancelled both this year and last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The show was first formally held in Pontllanfraith in 1873, and has been held in Rhymney, Pontlottyn, Maesycwmmer, Newbridge and Risca, among other places, since. However, For much of its history, it has been held in Blackwood.

The petition was started in July by 82-year-old Blackwood resident Colin Morris, who regularly enters flowers and vegetables into the show.

Mr Morris, who has been to the show every year since he was a young child, has collected the signatures in person, stopping people in the street to gather support for his cause.

He told Caerphilly Observer: “The show was in Blackwood for many years – at one time it was the biggest one-day show in the country.

“The showfields were left by Lord Tredegar for the Bedwellty Show to be held once a year and for the miners to have the day off.

“I’m doing my bit to get it back.”

He added: “People used to come from as far away as the Forest of Dean, Gloucester and Hereford to come to the show.

“It’s not the same now. The show meant a lot to this area.”

He said he was looking to collect as many signatures as he could, and said people of all ages have put their names to it.

He thanked fellow-Blackwood resident Albert Wilson, who has helped him with his efforts.

Mr Wilson said: “Colin has done it all off his own back. I support him wholeheartedly.”

Blackwood’s Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge has also supported Mr Morris with the petition and said he will be submitting it to Caerphilly County Borough Council, as well as the Bedwellty Agricultural Society, which organises the event each year.

Glyn Davies, chair of the Bedwellty Agricultural Society, said: “The show was taken from the showfields because of financial issues.

“If we hadn’t moved, there wouldn’t be a Bedwellty Show anymore.”

He said it was difficult and costly to secure the showfields due to nearby housing and public pathways cutting through the site.

Mr Davies, 66, has been involved with the show for nearly 50 years. He said the event had improved in the time it has been at Llancaiach Fawr, and described it as a “nice rural show in a rural setting”.

“I’ve been involved for most of my life and my family were involved before me.

“It’s run by volunteers and we’re a registered charity.”

He added: “The move has saved the show for future generations. It’s one of the best one-day shows in Wales and the number of entries has increased since the move.

“Historically the show has moved around the borough.”