Wales' Minister Unveils Huge Bucket Hat Installation for World Cup

As part of the nation's World Cup campaign, Wales' First Minister, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, on Sunday formally opened a huge bucket hat installation in Qatar. Wales is making its first World Cup appearance since 1958, confirming the country's standing on the international stage.

Jonathan Wilks, the British ambassador, Colin Jackson, the Lleisiau Cymru ambassador for Wales, Steve Williams, Will Lloyd Williams, Noel Mooney, the CEO of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), and ambassadors Ian Rush and Jess Fishlock were all present at the launch.

In order to commemorate the historic occasion for the country, the Football Association of Wales worked with designers to develop and design the enormous bucket hat, an iconic symbol for Welsh football that symbolizes the team's incredible progress in the game as well as the passion and spirit of its supporters.

"Back in 2016, our manager Chris Coleman urged the team and us as a country to 'Dare to Dream' about what could happen at the European Championship," the First Minister, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, stated.

He added: "No one believed that we would get to the semifinals, but we did. The World Cup is a perfect example of how anything can happen in football."

The inauguration of the installation marks the beginning of the Gyl Cymru Festival, a 10-day celebration of creativity to support Wales throughout the team's campaign in Qatar. The festival features more than 200 events around Cymru and the globe.

By showcasing the country's art, culture, and music, the program will promote Wales' ideals and ensure a positive legacy from the nation's first World Cup campaign in 64 years.

Colin Jackson CBE, the "Lleisiau Cymru" ambassador for Wales, and Ian Rush MBE and Jess Fishlock, the FAW ambassadors, were also present for the launch. Each ambassador is in Qatar to represent the country and speak out on its behalf.

Fishlock stated that being present for the introduction of the Bucket hat was a really proud event. She added: "This is our chance to introduce the world to our wonderful country and to who we are".

The Gwyl Cymru festival of culture, which takes place in Wales and around the world, combines with a Wales cultural program in Doha that includes cultural activities at the home of the British ambassador, Katara Cultural Village, and the UK Garden on The Corniche.

The program features performances of Dafydd Iwan's version of Wales' national hymn "Yma o Hyd" ('Still Here'), large-scale murals painted by graffiti artist Peaceful Progress, DJ sets by Radio 1's Katie Owen, and more. performances by the Urdd Choir, the largest youth organization in the nation.

At various places throughout Qatar, performances will also be given by the Welsh rap, hip-hop, and R&B artist Sage Todz and the award-winning stadium brass band for the FAW, the Barry Horns.