A welcome to Wales
AS THE St David’s Day celebrations get under way, the First Minister has said those who have chosen Wales as their home will always be welcome.
Mark Drakeford marked his first St David’s Day in the role by delivering a speech in which he addressed Brexit and praised the contributions that people from other countries make to Wales.
He said: “Wales’ influence expands beyond the land borders of our country – so I am extending this greeting not just to everyone here in Wales, but to all those who have adopted Wales as their home; to all those who are far from home but always Welsh at heart and to the many people in every corner of the world with links to Wales.
“Each and every one of you play a part in making Wales the proud and confident nation it is.
“Wales is and will remain an outward-looking nation. We may be a small country of just over three million people – but the impact we make across the world is considerable.
“In the spirit of St David’s Day, and in the spirit of Welsh tradition, I want to say to all the people who have chosen to make Wales their home, you are always welcome here.”
He went on to address Brexit, saying: “We are at a crucial junction in our political and social history – the relationship between the UK and Europe is about to change in a way that will be felt for generations to come.
“Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the relationship we have with our friends throughout Europe and the rest of the world will never diminish.”
Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru is extending its calls for St David’s Day to become a national bank holiday.
A spokesman said: “Plaid Cymru believes St David’s Day should become an official bank holiday in Wales.
“Scotland and Ireland both celebrate their national days with an official bank holiday and there is no reason Wales cannot do the same for our patron saint.
“Dydd Gwyl Dewi is a significant part of Wales’ history, national identity and culture and to make it an official holiday would be an excellent way of celebrating and sharing Wales’ cultural heritage.”
The party has given staff the day off to celebrate with friends and family.
The leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Paul Davies AM, has used the national day to praise Wales’ diversity, beauty and bilingualism.
Prime Minister Theresa May held a St David’s Day reception at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday where Welsh industry, produce and culture was discussed and celebrated.
Among those celebrating Wales’ national day were fashion designer Julien Macdonald and chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union Gareth Davies.
Mrs May said: “From music to manufacturing, fashion to food, it is a real privilege to celebrate Wales’ proud heritage and bright future ahead of St David’s Day.”
In Cardiff, the annual St David’s Day parade will assemble at 11.30am in King Edward VII Avenue, with the parade kicking off at 12.30pm.
The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales is also back after last year’s event was cancelled due to bad weather. The concert is held at St David’s Hall from 7.30pm.