IMAGINE stepping off your train at London Paddington, the usual station hum replaced by the rich, soul-stirring harmonies of a Welsh male voice choir.
Today (Thursday) the iconic Porthcawl Male Voice Choir will transform the bustling station into a concert hall, marking the grand opening of Wales Week London with their powerful, resonant voices.
At 1100, half-term travellers and commuters alike will be treated to a moving performance that captures the heart and heritage of Wales.
And it’s not just about the music – expect a taste of Welsh hospitality too, with complimentary Pembrokeshire Welsh cakes courtesy of Great Western Railway (GWR), and a chance to discover the joys of exploring South Wales car-free with the South West Wales Connected Community Rail Partnership.
Dan Okey, GWR Head of Development, said: “We can’t wait to welcome the Porthcawl Male Voice Choir on board our train, and for them to sing at London Paddington. 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, 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 Great Western Railway to sing at Paddington 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.
“We will bring an eclectic mix of traditional Welsh Male Choir and more modern pieces to hopefully thrill and entertain the audience.”
Eve Sherratt, Community Rail Officer for South West Wales Connected CRP, said: “We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 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.”
Visit Wales is also encouraging people to take part in ‘Random acts of Welshness’ on St Davids Day (Saturday 1 March), by for example flying the Welsh flag or wearing a leek.
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; during the last week of February and the first week of March. This year’s celebration takes place from Thursday 20 February to Saturday 8 March.
Dan Langford, Chair of Wales Week London said: “The partnership with GWR has been such a boost to the Wales Week initiative over so many years.
“Through placing advertising at stations from Swansea to Paddington, and distributing our event pocket guides on the seats of a number of train journeys from Wales to London, we receive a huge fillip to our promotions each year; pushing the Wales brand and helping to make commuters aware of the activities taking place.
“We’re now in our ninth successive year, with some 130 activities and events taking place – we look forward to welcoming some 10,000+ people to the events over the coming fortnight.”
The full event listing can be found at www.walesweek.london.
GWR provides 30 trains a day each way between Cardiff (over 20 from Swansea) and London Paddington. In May 2023, GWR introduced 65 extra trains every week in south Wales, extending train services beyond Swansea to Carmarthen.
A Welsh Pullman dining experience also operates every weekday between Swansea and London Paddington, allowing you to feast on top-quality food while taking in some of the best views in Britain.
