Beardy, a shame you can't be there. As you say, the hwyl really is quite something else! If you're a pony man then you will realise how, for that week only, the Sabbath moves to the Wednesday.
Nell - the shearing pavillion is a place like no other. Did you know that the Kiwi team do the haka before they take up the shears? They really do take it that seriously! The NSA restaurant at the back of the sheep breeds pavillion is THE place to go if you are properly into the show culture!
Both - if you have Sky or Freesat there will be hours of live coverage on S4C and S4C2.
Why not plan ahead and take the whole of July off next year? Start at the new show in Snowdonia -
http://www.countrymanfairs.co.uk/north-wales-country-fair - and then conclude with a visit to Builth. See you there?