VALE OF CLWYD Senedd Member and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport, and North Wales, Gareth Davies MS, paid a visit this week to the London Welsh Centre, a historic hub for Welsh culture and community in the heart of London. He is encouraging people from Wales who live in, or are visiting, London to make the most of this vibrant centre that continues to celebrate and promote Welsh culture, language, and heritage, whether by stopping for a drink, attending their events, or utilising their venues.
During his visit, Mr Davies met with Ceri Wyn Griffith, Chief Executive of the London Welsh Centre, and was given a tour of the building to learn more about its proud history and the vital role it continues to play in promoting Welsh culture in London and beyond.
Founded in 1920 as the Young Wales Association, the London Welsh Centre is the largest Welsh organisation outside of Wales. Located on Gray’s Inn Road, close to King’s Cross, it provides a welcoming space for Welsh people in London and visitors from home, hosting everything from Welsh language classes and cultural performances to sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings.
The centre continues to play an important role in promoting Welsh identity outside of Wales, offering weekly Welsh lessons, both in-person and online, to learners around the world, hosting the Wales Week London celebrations each March, and supporting a year-round programme of music, theatre, and community events.
The centre will mark the 90th anniversary of its landmark building in 2027 and is undertaking a capital project to make its historic home on Gray’s Inn Road fully accessible and fit for the 21st century. It also aims to expand its bilingual cultural programme, showcase the best of Welsh arts in the UK’s capital, and grow its supporter network to 10,000 by 2027, deepening engagement with the Welsh diaspora, Londoners, and international partners.
Speaking after the visit, Gareth Davies MS said: “It was fantastic to visit the London Welsh Centre and see in-person the incredible work being done to keep Welsh culture and language thriving in the capital.
“The centre has such a rich history and has been a home away from home for generations of Welsh people living, studying, or working in London.
“They do great work supporting their local community in London and promoting the best of Wales internationally.
I’d really encourage anyone from North Wales who lives in London or is visiting to make a visit and help support the centre. It’s a vibrant and inclusive nucleus for the Welsh diaspora and a brilliant way to stay connected to our roots and meet a community of others.”
Ceri Wyn Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of the London Welsh Centre added: “Roedd yn bleser croesawu Gareth Davies AS i’r Ganolfan.
“His visit was a welcome opportunity to share the work we do and the importance of the London Welsh Centre as a cultural and community hub for Welsh people in the capital.
“For nearly a century, this building has offered a home for language, the arts, and a sense of belonging.
“As we head towards the building’s 90th anniversary in 2027, we remain focused on developing our programme and ensuring the Centre continues to serve Welsh communities in London and beyond.
“Rydyn ni’n edrych ymlaen at groesawu mwy o Gymry a ffrindiau i’r Ganolfan yn fuan.”
