As part of the 2024 St David's Day celebrations, four of the Urdd's talented young singers travelled to perform in St David's Day concerts and celebrations hosted by the North America Welsh Societies.

Representing the Urdd, and Wales, were Owain Rowlands, Llinos Haf Jones, Ynyr Rogers and Manw Lili Robin. After their success at the Eisteddfod, they were chosen to be ambassadors for the Urdd on the trip.

The group performed in a number of exciting events, in three different cities - Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C.!

In New York, there was a lovely service in the Welsh Church, and then in a bar, The Liberty, which is owned by a Welshman! In Philadelphia, the biggest event was held, the Welsh Society of Philadelphia’s Banquet in honour of St David. A service was also held at Philadelphia's Welsh Guild Arch Street Presbyterian Church.

In Washington D.C., at the Embassy, the Welsh Government North American St. David's Day event was held. The Urdd group received a special welcome, and Owain performed a song with James Roscoe, a Welshman who is Deputy Head of Mission over in D.C.

Trips like this enable the Urdd to give the young people of Wales a chance to perform on an international stage, helping those who are building a professional musical career. It was a great opportunity for the individuals to gain confidence, and to form new connections and friendships.

Of course, it also gives young people the opportunity to see a different part of the world, and learn from these experiences, all while sharing the Welsh language and our culture at the same time.

A similar trip was organised back in March 2023. Following the success of that visit, the Urdd was keen to continue expanding its relationship with the North America Welsh societies, and wanted to recreate this special trip once again this year, with four other members.

Most of these events were organised by the Welsh Society of Philadelphia, and the Urdd would like to thank them very much for making this unforgettable opportunity possible for the young people of Wales. In the future, it would be fantastic to continue the relationship and be able to provide more opportunities like this for young people to perform and share our language and culture with the world.