The date of the first Tal-y-bont and North Cardiganshire Agricultural Society show, as it was originally known, was Wednesday 23rd September 1896. 

This first show attracted approximately 1,200 people and there were 450 entries with the standard of many animals reported to be very high. The number of entries was quite impressive considering that there was no railway to carry animals from a distance.

The most popular competitions were sheep shearing and horse jumping.