South West Wales Connected Community Rail Partnership (CRP) joined Great Western Railway (GWR) and a popular Welsh choir to mark the grand opening of Wales Week London.
On Thursday 20 February, the Porthcawl Male Voice Choir transformed a bustling London Paddington Station into a concert hall, treating half-term travellers and commuters alike to a moving performance that captured the heart and heritage of Wales.
Passengers also got a taste of Welsh hospitality too, with complimentary Pembrokeshire Welsh cakes courtesy of GWR, and a chance to discover the joys of exploring South Wales car-free with the South West Wales Connected CRP.
Wales Week London is the largest annual programme of events celebrating and promoting Wales. The showcase allows Welsh businesses and organisations to connect and build partnerships with London-based audiences at events over the period around St David’s Day. This year’s celebration takes place from Thursday 20 February to Saturday 8 March.
Eve Sherratt, community rail officer for South West Wales Connected, said: “We were incredibly proud to celebrate Welsh culture at Paddington Station, sharing the rich heritage and vibrant communities of South West Wales with a wider audience.
“Promoting sustainable tourism is key to supporting our local economy, protecting our environment, and ensuring South West Wales remains a must-visit destination for all.”
Dan Okey, GWR’s Head of Development, said: “We’re so proud of GWR’s heritage in Wales and our Welsh teams in Swansea and Cardiff, and love an opportunity to celebrate Wales, both in Wales and across the GWR network.
“Where our staff speak Welsh, even tipyn bach [a little bit], then we’re pleased to support them to use their Welsh when they’re working – and especially on St David’s Day. Customers can identify a GWR colleague who speaks Welsh by the Draig Goch [Red Dragon] on their name badge.”
Ian Williams of Porthcawl Male Voice Choir said: “To be invited by GWR to sing at Paddington Station for Wales Week is a massive honour for the choir.
“Predominantly, we sing within the Welsh community to a mainly Welsh audience. To be able to showcase a Welsh choir outside of Wales at such a prestigious venue is greatly anticipated and very exciting.”
Learn more about GWR’s work in the community here.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from South West Wales Connected CRP via their website.
