Janet Redler Travel was delighted to take part in the 2024 North American Festival of Wales, which was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a leading inbound tour operator to Wales, this was a superb opportunity for us to meet and socialise with Wales enthusiasts. 

This year’s event saw hundreds of people from across the US and Canada gather for four days of Welsh culture, concerts and activities, including the festival’s very own eisteddfod competitions. In addition, there were seminars, workshops, speeches and performances and a dedicated marketplace promoting Welsh and Celtic products and services.

The North American Festival of Wales traces its roots back to 1929 when over 4,000 people gathered at Niagara Falls for the first National Gymanfa Ganu festival of Welsh hymns. It soon became the largest annual gathering of Welsh people, their descendants and friends in North America. Held in a different location each year in the US or Canada, the festival takes place on the shared Labor Day holiday weekend. It is organised by the Welsh North American Association, a non-profit organisation, whose purpose is to preserve and promote Welsh culture in North America.

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, who attended the event, said: “It was the first time we have supported the festival and we were thrilled to be there. It was fantastic to spend time with so many people who were passionate about Wales, my home country, and for us to meet friends old and new to share stories about our Welsh heritage.

“As an inbound tour operator to Wales, it was also a perfect opportunity for us to showcase our tailor-made tours to interested travellers, and to promote the delights of Wales to those who have not yet had the chance to visit.”

One of the highlights of the event for delegates was the opening concert, which featured Welsh musician and composer Mal Pope, as well as Mared, an award winning singer-songwriter from North Wales, and the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Singers.

The Gala Banquet, which included the North America Wales Foundation Heritage Award, was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of Welsh Americans; the Grand Concert featured performances from two Welsh male voice choirs, and the Festival Eisteddfod included a number of competitions for the performance of Welsh music and poetry. 

Seminars and workshops covered everything from Welsh language for beginners to the history of medieval Wales, and from tracing Welsh family roots to Welsh folk dancing and learning to sing in Welsh.

Delicious Welsh cakes!

The Marketplace gave delegates the chance to sample the best Welsh products, from Welsh cakes to whisky, and the Tea Room was the ideal place to enjoy Welsh tea and cakes while socialising. Every evening finished with late night informal singing, with memorable hymns and Welsh favourites for all to join in.

Janet Redler added: “All in all, this was a wonderful event and I am so glad we were able to get involved. It is rewarding to know that so many people in the US and Canada continue to celebrate their Welsh heritage in this remarkable way.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Wales in 2025, please do contact our friendly team today.