As we went to press yesterday (Thursday), the Observer learnt that one of the largest outdoor events ever to be held in Pembrokeshire was still on next week despite the latest foot and mouth outbreak.

On a site four miles south west of Cardigan, extending to over 120 acres, the fifth Five Nations and the 48th Wales Ploughing Championships are still expected to take place on Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22.

Preparations by the Newport, Nevern and Dinas Cross Society for this major spectacle have been ongoing for the past two years and will begin on Friday when two competitors (conventional and reversible) from each of the five regions of the British Isles will compete in stubble conditions and the test will continue on the Saturday when ploughing will be in leys.

Also on Saturday, the Welsh championships take place with 107 craftsmen taking up the challenge in 10 different classes - including a father and his two sons from Devon ploughing with their three teams of horses in both general purpose and high cut styles - nine other horse ploughmen will also put their skills to the test.

From the Welsh competitors, the winner of the Supreme Conventional and the Reversible awards will qualify to represent Wales at the World Ploughing Championships in Austria in 2008 - a feat most keen ploughmen aspire to.

In addition, six individuals will compete in the hedge laying section and six teams of two will engage in wire fencing.

The usual 28 classes will be available for roots, crops, hay and straw and the marquee will house sections for country fare, country crafts and children's entries.

The sheepdog trials (Defra permitting) will have 40 dogs entered and 30 trade stand holders and demonstrators will also attract significant attention. Of particular interest will be the focus on vintage machinery with more than 100 entries and a number of unique machines on display, including a Triple Doe, a Caterpillar drawing four furrows and, stepping back in time, corn being reaped and bound with the traditional binder.

A much anticipated tractor pulling spectacle has had to be cancelled on advice from HSE.

The extensive site is located mid way between the villages of Nevern and Moylegrove at Rhydymaen and Bayvil farms, by kind invitation of the president, Mrs. Ann Davies, her sons Richard and Robert and Mr. Geraint Rees.

On the Friday evening, the traditional 'Blessing of the Plough' service at St. Brynach's Parish Church, Nevern, will be conducted by Rev. Dorian Williams, vicar of St. Dogmaels and will feature soloist Ceirios Evans and National Eisteddfod winners, Aroltri. A light supper is being provided in the marquee on site afterwards.

• Next week's European Dairy Event at Stoneleigh is also going ahead, but without any animals present.