Celebration of all things Welsh in the UK capital
A TWOWEEK celebration of Wales is under way in London, with more than 70 activities and events promoting Welsh culture, sport, business, food and drink, and technology.
Wales Week in London lasts until March 10. Events taking place during the fortnight include the 14th annual St David’s Day Walk that showcases the influence the Welsh in London have had on the capital; the St David’s Day mini rugby festival at London Welsh RFC; lunch with the Football Association of Wales and some Welsh international footballers; St John’s Cymru centenary celebration with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; and a Q&A with Bafta Cymru and actor Michael Sheen.
There is also an event to promote Welsh construction companies, an exhibition of Welsh art, a St David’s Day golf day, a Welsh comedy night and opportunities for Londoners to sample Welsh food and drink.
Welsh exporters will take part in a Foreign Office celebration of Welsh trade, and other business people, academics and the general public can engage in a range of talks, promotions and debates looking at Wales’ place in the world today and its future in areas such as financial services, tech, construction, law, sport, the arts, entrepreneurship and the creative industries.
Wales Week in London founders Dan Langford and Mike Jordan said they have been “overwhelmed” at the level of engagement this year.
Mr Langford, who is marketing director at multi-specialist recruitment firm Acorn, said: “The response this year from partners, sponsors and those looking to hold an event in London has been incredible – with many more sponsors and more events taking place than last year.
“It’s going to be a fantastic fortnight and we look forward to celebrating St David’s Day and creating as much Welsh noise in London as possible.”
The event is supported by the Welsh Government, the Wales Office, members of London’s Welsh community and more than 17 sponsors, including Great Western Railways (GWR) and Cardiffbased IT solutions provider Circle IT.
Roger Harry, managing director of Circle IT, said: “We work with and support a number of key business based in and around London, and Wales Week in London is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our heritage whilst supporting the wider objective of raising the profile of Welsh businesses in the capital.”