The arts centre will celebrate the Royal Welsh's centenary

The new centre at Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells, is planned to mark the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's centenary in 2004.

The plans will be on display in the Centenary Pavilion on the showground for the duration of the show.

The society is hoping to raise a substantial sum of money during the show to put towards the cost of building the centre.

The aim is to make it a focal point for the development of the arts, culture and youth activities in mid Wales and will include conference, seminar and meeting facilities.

It will also house new offices for the society and provide improved members, judges and stewards facilities.

We are looking for those round pound coins from everyone Shan Legge-Bourke

The building will be made using Welsh materials where possible, including slate, oak and stone, and will be modelled on market halls.

As part of the fund-raising drive, visitors to the pavilion will be able to buy prints of a special centenary drawing by top Welsh artist Sir Kyffin Williams, called Farmer In The Storm.

Former society president, the Hon Mrs Shan Legge-Bourke, who is chairing the appeal, said interest in it was gaining momentum.

"Many of the county advisory committees of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society have already planned their centenary celebrations and they are enthusiastic to respond to the appeal.

"We want it to be a great success and I hope that the many thousands of supporters of the show will give generously.

"We are looking for those round pound coins from everyone," she added.