The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford at the red hat installation. PICTURES: Thajudheen.
The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, Sunday officially launched the World Cup campaign of his country in Qatar by showcasing a giant bucket hat installation near the Museum of Islamic Art.This is an important and momentous occasion for Wales as the country is qualifying for the World Cup final round after 64 years since its last appearance in1958.British ambassador Jonathan Wilks, Wales’ ‘Lleisiau Cymru’ ambassador, Colin Jackson, alongside Football Association of Wales (FAW) president Steve Williams, vice president Will Lloyd Williams, CEO Noel Mooney and ambassadors Ian Rush and Jess Fishlock were also in attendance at the launch.
The larger-than-life bucket hat, an iconic symbol for Welsh football representing the team’s incredible progress in the game and its fans’ passion and spirit, was developed and designed in collaboration with the Football Association of Wales, to celebrate the momentous occasion for the nation.Drakeford said: "Back in 2016, our manager Chris Coleman challenged the squad and us as a nation to ‘Dare to Dream’ about what could happen at the European Championship. No one thought we’d get to the semi-final, but we did. That’s what’s great about football – anything can happen at the World Cup.”The launch of the installation kickstarts the Gŵyl Cymru Festival at the tournament, a programme of more than 200 events across Cymru and the world as part of a 10-day celebration of creativity to support Wales during the team’s campaign in Qatar.The programme will project Wales’ values and secure a positive legacy from the country’s first World Cup campaign in 64 years, highlighting the nation’s art, culture and music.Wales’ ‘Lleisiau Cymru’ ambassador Jackson said: "It was really good to be at the launch of the bucket hat today – it’s a little slice of Wales that will encourage people to investigate our nation. The support of our First Minister today was also fantastic as we aim to demonstrate the inclusive values of Wales.”Fishlock noted that it was a very proud moment to be at the launch of the Bucket hat. "Now is the time that the world gets to see our great nation, and we get to show who we are to the world,” he added.A Wales Cultural Programme in Doha, which coincides with the Gwyl Cymru festival of culture taking place in Wales and around the world, features cultural events at the UK Ambassador’s residence; Katara Cultural Village, and the UK Garden on The Corniche.The programme includes: Large-scale murals by Graffiti artist Peaceful Progress; DJ sets by Radio 1’s Katie Owen; Performances of Wales’ official anthem ‘Yma o Hyd’ (‘Still Here’) by Dafydd Iwan; Renditions from the Urdd Choir, from the largest national youth organisation; Performances by the Barry Horns, an award-winning stadium brass band for the FAW and Sage Todz, a Welsh rap, hip-hop and R&B artist will also perform at locations in Qatar.