In April, we, the Welsh, and our many friends parted company after a truly successful weekend in Kingston, Ontario. 

Our guest choir was Cantorion Gogledd Cymru from North Wales, under the leadership of Aled Edwards.  The weekend’s festivities began on Friday evening when, for the first time, we held our annual Banquet on the Friday as opposed to the Saturday evening.  This is an opportunity to honour the recipient of the Gold Award – a person who has contributed hugely to the Welsh community in Ontario. This year’s recipient was Alan Thomas.  If you are a past attendee of the Festival you will be very familiar with Alan as he was our Gymanfa organist and “go-to” accompanist throughout previous weekends. Due to ill health Alan was unable to attend in person, but Myfanwy Davies had recorded a talk with him about his musical past.  Alison Lawson received the award in his stead.

We were then all ready to enjoy the Noson Lawen, emceed by Myfanwy Davies.  In addition to our usual participants, we were delighted to welcome some amazing harpists – students of Mary Muckle’s who had come down from Ottawa for the event.  Also Dr Chris Frank, a local doctor, had brought a group of musicians specializing in Celtic music.  After a brief hiatus, members of the visiting choir took over and it would not be an exaggeration to state that “a great time was had by one and all”.

Saturday was another full day. We started with the AGM which was followed by a choice of seminars.  During the AGM our amazing, very hard working President, Julie Wenz handed over the gavel to incoming President, Anastasia Llewellyn.  We were so very fortunate that Julie has been willing to lead us for so long.  Diolch am bopeth, Julie.  Carys Wyn had arranged a trip around the highlights of Kingston.  Then off to St Paul’s Anglican church where the visiting choir thrilled us with the richness of their individual and combined voices.  What a musical feast. Diolch yn fawr, fechgyn.

Back to the Holiday Inn, but no, not to bed, but to carry on singing. From where do they get their energy????  It was another Noson Lawen cum mini gymanfa!!

Sunday:  now for the highlight of the weeken, y Gymanfa Ganu.  Since Covid we hold just the one service, namely in the afternoon.  Carys Smith had arranged a seminar for Sunday morning. Diolch, Carys.

After the Gymanfa at St Paul’s Church, which ended with the very emotional hymn God Be With You Till We Meet Again, the choir was now able to continue with its travel plans: from Kingston to Ottawa and then on to Montreal and Quebec City.  For the rest of us it was “home”after grateful thanks to our visitors from British Columbia and Alberta.  We really appreciated your support.  Diolch am eich cefnogaeth.