Monmouthshire's strong relationship with America has been hailed during a well-attended reception at the US Ambassador's official residence in London.
Local MP David Davies was delighted to welcome guests to the reception at Winfield House in his capacity as Secretary of State for Wales.
Held as part of Wales Week London 2023, representatives and dignitaries attended from Welsh businesses and the Farmers' Union of Wales, alongside members of both the UK Government and Senedd.
Mr Davies highlighted the shared values between Wales, the United Kingdom and the USA in fighting for democracy and defeating fascism. He said he was pleased the USA has recently taken its first consignment of Welsh lamb, worth between £27m-£30m each year, and is "excited" to share more of "our fantastic Welsh produce".
Monmouth Male Voice Choir accepted a special invitation to perform for US Ambassador Jane Hartley. The choir sang a repertoire full of Welsh flavour, including an emotional finale of 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' which had the whole room in chorus.
Former choir chairman Huw Edwards compèred the performance and presented the Ambassador with a memento from their recent concert. Musical director Lewis Hutton pieced together an excellent repertoire for the evening and both he and the choir received plaudits from the Ambassador and many guests for their first-class performance.
Choir secretary Stuart Barber said: “It was an excellent day for the choir and a great experience for everyone.
"It is certainly a ‘feather in the cap’ for the choir and a fantastic achievement and shows how far the choir has come in the 10 years since our formation.”
Mr Davies added: "I was delighted to host such a prestigious reception at Winfield House celebrating St David’s Day and of course Wales itself. I would like to thank the Ambassador for allowing me this honour.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Monmouth Male Voice Choir to share our Welsh heritage and culture with the Ambassador and the Embassy. I was particularly moved by the choir’s performance of ‘Tell My Father’, a song about a dying soldier during the American Civil War.
“This was an excellent way to end Wales Week London 2023 and I would like to thank Monmouth Male Voice Choir again for their moving performance.
"It was fantastic to see Monmouthshire so well represented at several events during the week and I was proud to showcase what Wales can offer.”