Wales Week in New York
As part of our focus on the fabulous “Wales Weeks” that are happening around the world, we caught up with Ty Francis MBE, founder of the New York Welsh, last month to discuss the society, their exciting plans for Wales Week in New York and upcoming events which we will be sharing with you over the coming months!
The Welsh community in New York are loud, proud and vibrant – just like the city itself! Ty co-founded New York Welsh, New York’s largest and most active Welsh society, alongside Marc Walby, Gwilym Roberts-Harry, Rhodri Morgan and Sioned Wyn Morgan. They record the ever-popular podcast “New York Welsh”. The purpose of the podcast is to create future Welsh success through sharing stories to connecting with others. They create and host many events each year to promote Welsh culture and interest in New York. The group consists of entrepreneurs, artists, business professionals, law professionals and more.
Since 2003 there has been an annual festival in New York celebrating the Welsh patron saint with art, food, drink and sports. This year’s event is extra-special, with New York Welsh taking control with support from the Welsh Government in America and “Wales Week” founders (read our interview with Dan Langford, Wales Week founder here).
Wales Week in New York takes place from 23rd February – 10th March 2019 and it is a chance for the lively Welsh expats and those with Welsh lineage to celebrate their heritage, and, for Americans to learn about the rich culture of Wales.
Some events taking place during the week include:
Wales v England (Six Nations) 23rd February 2019, 11.45am – 1.45pm The Liberty NYC
Read more about the best places to catch the rugby around the world in our article here.
Captains Knock Rugby Legends Ticket Only Event 27th February 2019, 6pm – 10pm The Manhattan Club
New York Welsh St. David’s Day Celebration Ticket Only Event
28th February 2019, 6pm – 11pm
The Liberty NYC.
Join the New York Welsh for a Sunken Hundred inspired menu with dishes from across Wales created by chef/legend Illtyd Barret. They promise singing (of course!) entertainment, a mysterious “artistic unveiling” and flowing beer! Buy tickets here.
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Gala Invite only
28th February 2019, 6pm – 11pm
This star-studded event will honour Wales’ sweetheart, Catherine Zeta Jones.
Scotland v Wales (Six Nations) 23rd February 2019, 09.15am – 11.15pm The Liberty NYC.
Early kick-off but hopefully worth it! The New York Welsh will see you in The Liberty NYC to support the boys.
Just like Wales Week in London, you will never have to go hungry while in New York for this event. Why not stop at one of the New York City’s premiere Welsh bars? Snowdonia‘s menu is a hearty mix of classic Celtic fare with a twist of NYC diversity, and it will definitely keep you full during the Wales Week. They’re the most famous for their Welsh breakfast which they serve with ‘laverbread’ which is traditional in Wales. It is made of deep-fried and pickled seaweed then blended into mustard. They also have Welsh beer!
Wales Week in London, and thus, Wales Week in New York owes a debt to the Welsh Government who have long supported the goal of promoting a modern Wales around the World. Recognising the importance of Wales’ special relationship with the United States; the Welsh Government have a network of international offices across the country including New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C, Atlanta and Chicago. Here they champion trade and investment to and from Wales alongside tourism, culture and education by delivering a programme of activity to promote Wales as a place to invest, do business, work, study and visit such as the engaging Wales Week USA (more details below). The importance of these links were further emphasized by a visit to New York and Philadelphia in 2018 by First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, to promote Wales as a business location.
For more information, the opportunity to promote your business or a complete schedule of activities, please visit https://walesweek.nyc/
