After a lengthy ‘pandemic’ break, we are delighted and excited to let you know that plans are well in hand for the Ontario Welsh Festival 2023. The Festival headquarters will be the Hilton Garden Inn, situated in the heart of downtown Ottawa, and the concert and Gymanfa will take place at the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.

While some events are still in the planning stages, you can be assured that there will be all your usual favourites: the Welcome Tea, with Mary Muckle at the harp, the Marketplace, the Friday evening Noson Lawen, followed of course by informal singing, and the formal Banquet with the presentation of the Gold Award on Saturday.

A very special tour of Ottawa with a ‘Welsh Flavour’ is being planned for Saturday afternoon, featuring not only the important historic sights of Ottawa, but with special emphasis on Welsh settlers, personalities and connections in the city. Other events for Saturday afternoon, including a possible seminar or film, are in the planning stages.

Our Saturday evening concert, to be held at Christ Church Cathedral, will feature several solo artists from Wales. Renowned baritone John Ieuan Jones has accepted our invitation to take part and negotiations continue with several other talented singers. We will share a friendly brunch at the hotel on Sunday morning, before walking to the cathedral for the highlight of the weekend, the Gymanfa, beginning at 12.30 p.m.

Registration for the Festival will begin in late January. Please check our website then. It will be a wonderful weekend- an opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones and sing your hearts out! Please join us!