Commuters stop in their tracks as Cardiff choir’s soaring harmonies echo through London terminus
A BUSY London railway station was brought to a standstill on Monday morning as the soaring harmonies of a famous Welsh male voice choir echoed across the concourse.
Commuters and half-term travellers at London Paddington were treated to an unexpected cultural showcase when the Cardiff Arms Park Male Voice Choir turned the capital’s bustling terminus into a concert hall.
The performance, staged at 11am on February 23, marked the start of celebrations for Wales Week London – now the largest annual programme promoting and celebrating Wales in the capital.
The event was organised in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR), which runs services between South Wales and London.
‘Deep roots in Wales’
Hannah Shackleford, GWR’s Wales & West of England Development Manager, said it was “wonderful” to welcome the choir on board and bring their “extraordinary voices” to London.
She added: “GWR has deep roots in Wales, from our Welsh-speaking colleagues in Cardiff and Swansea to our partnerships with Visit Wales and Wales Week London.
“We’re incredibly proud of that heritage and love every opportunity to celebrate Wales, whether that’s on the platform, on the train or across our network.
“Wales is open for business, open for tourism and open for adventure – and GWR is here to connect people with all of it.”
As part of its promotional drive, GWR recently featured Cardiff Castle in its latest advertising campaign, aired during Britain’s Got Talent, bringing images of Wales to millions of viewers across the UK.
Rail travel’s contribution to local Welsh economies and communities is estimated to be worth £1.39 billion annually.
10th anniversary boost
Mike Jordan, founder of Wales Week London, said GWR’s support over the years had been a “tremendous boost”, particularly as the event celebrates its tenth anniversary.
He said: “With around 120 events taking place and more than 10,000 people expected to attend, GWR plays a pivotal role in making that happen.”
Wales Week London runs until March 7, linking Welsh businesses and organisations with London audiences through more than 130 events.
GWR operates 30 services each way daily between Cardiff and London Paddington, as well as more than 20 daily services from Swansea. In 2023, services were extended west to Carmarthen, adding dozens of extra trains each week across South Wales.
‘As Welsh as a rugby Saturday’
Neil Evans, a member of the Cardiff Arms Park Male Voice Choir and a GWR Guards Manager based in Swansea, said the performance was about sharing a slice of home.
“Male voice choirs are as Welsh as a rugby Saturday in Cardiff or a hike in Bannau Brycheiniog,” he said.
“For travellers passing through Paddington or Welsh exiles living in London, we hope hearing the iconic sound of our choir will inspire people to take the train for a trip to the green, green grass of Wales.”
GWR also operates its Welsh Pullman dining service between Swansea and London, offering a first-class dining experience showcasing Welsh produce.
The company says its commitment to Wales goes beyond the timetable, with Welsh-speaking staff displaying the Draig Goch on their name badges, particularly in the run-up to St David’s Day.
For full details of Wales Week London events, visit walesweek.london.
