The North American Festival of Wales

**Welsh people helped found Springfield, *and they're coming back Labor Day Weekend.***  ***See attached photo*** of the Miles Morgan statue in Court Square that most people have walked past without thinking about the role of people from Wales in Springfield history.

Photo credit: Susan Davies Sit

**See attached press release** for:

**Sept. 2 - 6** (Wed. - Sun.)

Coming to New England for the first time ever, and they chose Springfield, Massachusetts

**The North American Festival of Wales** (NAFOW) will welcome visitors from

across the United States, Canada, and Wales to Springfield for five days of

music, culture, language, history, and fellowship during its annual

celebration.

**Main locations:** Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, with

featured events held nearby at the Springfield Marriott, Symphony Hall, and Trinity United

Methodist Church.

**Springfield's early history is featured in several festival offerings including:**

- Exploring Welsh Colonists in Springfield

- Witchcraft in Early Springfield

- Witch Panic and the Welsh Colonists display at Wood Museum of Springfield History

- Walking Tour: Historic Springfield

**For Interview, contact:**

Local Welsh Society: Welsh Society of Western New England **WelshWNE.org**

**Susan Davies Sit, President** WelshWNE@gmail.com

22 Windwood Drive, Glastonbury, CT 06033 and 860.987.7097

*(Name, address and phone number not for publication)*

**Media Contact**

North American Festival of Wales

Welsh North American Association

Website: www.NAFOW.org

Sincerely, Edward C. Brown - Board Member, Welsh Society of Western New England 10 Grandview Drive Westfield, MA 01085 413-454-9477 edbethui@gmail.com

FULL PRESS RELEASE:

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Experience Wales Without Crossing the**

**Atlantic: North American Festival of Wales**

**Comes to Springfield, Massachusetts**

**SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 2–6, 2026)** — This Labor Day weekend, Springfield,

Massachusetts, will become the cultural capital of Wales in North America as the **North**

**American Festival of Wales (NAFOW)** welcomes visitors from across the United States,

Canada, and Wales for five unforgettable days of music, heritage, food, language, and

celebration.

Hosted by the **Welsh North American Association (WNAA)**, and the local Welsh Society

(WelshWNE.org) the Festival is the largest annual gathering of Welsh people, their descendants,

and anyone interested in Welsh culture. Whether you have Welsh roots or simply enjoy

discovering new traditions, the Festival offers an authentic international cultural experience in

the heart of New England.

Festival headquarters will be the **Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel**, conveniently

located in downtown Springfield and within walking distance of restaurants, museums,

entertainment, and many of the city's attractions.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Welsh culture through a full schedule of activities, including:

• Inspiring concerts featuring internationally acclaimed Welsh artists

• Traditional and contemporary Welsh music

• Educational seminars and cultural presentations

• Cinema Wales film screenings

• A Welsh Marketplace featuring books, gifts, crafts, and specialty items

• Traditional Welsh Tearoom

• Heritage exhibits and genealogy resources

• The renowned Eisteddfod competitions celebrating music, literature, language, and the

visual arts

One of the Festival's signature events is **Voices of Wales**, a spectacular Saturday evening concert

at Springfield's historic Symphony Hall. Directed by celebrated Welsh conductor **Tim Rhys-**

**Evans**, the performance features soloists **Jess Robinson** and **Rhys Meirion**, accompanied by

**Zoe Smith** and an ensemble from the prestigious **Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama**,

offering audiences an unforgettable evening of Welsh musical excellence.

The Festival opens Wednesday evening with **Theatr Cymru's** acclaimed comedy *Parti Priodas*

*(Wedding Party)*, performed in Welsh with English subtitles, followed by a performance from

beloved Welsh singer-songwriter **Bryn Fôn**.On Saturday, visitors can experience the excitement of the traditional **Eisteddfod**, one of Wales'

oldest cultural institutions. Competitions in Welsh hymn singing, recitation, vocal performance,

creative writing, and visual arts continue a tradition that has inspired generations of Welsh artists

and musicians.

The Festival concludes Sunday with the **94th Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu**, a moving

celebration of congregational hymn singing in Welsh and English. Held at Trinity United

Methodist Church, this cherished tradition welcomes singers and listeners alike to experience the

rich musical heritage for which Wales is known around the world as the "Land of Song."

Beyond the Festival, visitors can explore Springfield's vibrant downtown, museums, restaurants,

parks, and cultural attractions, making the weekend an ideal getaway for families, music lovers,

history enthusiasts, and heritage travelers.

Most daytime activities take place at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, with

featured events held nearby at the Springfield Marriott, Symphony Hall, and Trinity United

Methodist Church.

The North American Festival of Wales is produced by volunteers of the Welsh North American

Association, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting

Welsh culture and heritage throughout North America.

Festival Day Passes, evening event tickets, Youth Passes, and hotel accommodations are

available now. Visitors are encouraged to register early.

For complete schedules, registration, accommodations, and ticket information, visit

**www.NAFOW.org**.

**About the North American Festival of Wales**

Founded more than 90 years ago, the North American Festival of Wales is the premier annual

celebration of Welsh culture on the continent. Each year the Festival brings together musicians,

performers, scholars, artists, families, and visitors to celebrate the traditions, language, music,

and enduring spirit of Wales while welcoming everyone to share in the experience.