Three men have been arrested after a 25-year-old man died at a campsite near the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd on Saturday night. Dyfed-Powys Police say the death is currently being treated as unexplained, with a sustained police presence at the scene while investigations proceed.
Incident near Royal Welsh Showground
Officers were called to Penmaenau Farm, Llanelwedd, at around 10.30pm on Saturday, 18 July, following a report of a medical emergency. Despite efforts by paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the site. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
The campsite is used by visitors attending the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells, which is due to open on Monday, 20 July. Police confirmed that three men have been arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences and remain in custody.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the young man’s family at this difficult time. I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident, and the death is currently being treated as unexplained. There is no evidence of any ongoing risk to the wider public in connection with this sad incident.”
Police enquiry continues
Dyfed-Powys Police described the circumstances as a “medical incident” when reported and confirmed that enquiries are continuing. Officers remain on site at Penmaenau Farm, which is in close proximity to the main Royal Welsh Showground at Llanelwedd.
While details about the events leading up to the man’s death have not been disclosed, the force has emphasised that there is no indication of a wider risk to residents or show visitors. No further information about the arrested individuals has been released at this stage.
Location and timing at a glance
| Time/Date | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ~10.30pm, Sat 18 July | Penmaenau Farm, Llanelwedd (near Builth Wells) | Medical emergency reported; man pronounced dead |
| Sun 19 – Mon 20 July | Area close to Royal Welsh Showground | Police enquiries ongoing; arrests made |
Context: the Royal Welsh Show
The Royal Welsh Show is one of Wales’s largest annual events, drawing visitors and exhibitors to Llanelwedd and Builth Wells for agriculture, food and rural industry showcases. Campsites in and around the showground typically host substantial numbers in the days before opening. The 2026 event is scheduled to begin on Monday, 20 July, with higher traffic and footfall expected across the area.
Given the ongoing police activity at Penmaenau Farm, those heading to the show should anticipate a visible policing presence locally. There is no suggestion from police of broader disruption, but movement around Llanelwedd may be busier than usual as the show commences.
What we know so far
- A 25-year-old man died at Penmaenau Farm, Llanelwedd, on Saturday evening.
- Three men have been arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences and remain in custody.
- Police state the death is being treated as unexplained; there is no evidence of ongoing risk to the public.
- The incident occurred ahead of the Royal Welsh Show’s opening on Monday, 20 July.
Support for the family and next steps
Specially trained officers are working with the man’s family. The force has not released the man’s identity. Further updates are expected as enquiries progress and forensic work at the campsite is completed. Anyone in the area is likely to notice officers carrying out standard investigative tasks, including scene preservation and witness engagement.
InfoRadar will continue to monitor developments and report confirmed details as they are provided by the authorities.
