Bonnie Tyler joined Swansea University Catering Manager, Les Carmichael and Swansea University Register, Raymond Ciborowski on a VIP table for a performance by the Gwalia Singers.

Bonnie Tyler said:

‘I am happy to be singing traditional Welsh songs in honour of St. David’s Day’ at Swansea University today. My visit to Swansea University comes with history as I received a honorary degree, so coming here means a lot’.                                           

‘My favourite Welsh food is laverbread and cockles. I made it for Fern on Breakfast TV and she loved it!’

Picture:  Bonnie in Fulton House

The concert was followed by lunch with the Choir in Café West. The menu included Traditional Welsh Cawl, Locally Produced Pork and Leek Sausage, Fresh Minted Lamb Burger and Welsh Cheese and Leek Tartlets, followed by a traditional dessert of Welsh Rice Pudding.

The catering team felt ‘excited and privileged to cook for Bonnie- a real honour’. The Welcome to Wales Food Festival aims to showcase wonderful food from around the principality, giving international students a taste of Welsh Culture which not only demonstrates good quality food but demonstrates that Wales is most definitely the land of song.

Picture:  Bonnie introduces the Gwalia Singers, watched by choir member - and Swansea University catering manager - Les Carmichael.

As part of the celebrations, the Gwalia Singers performed. Gwalia was founded in 1967, formed of men of all ages and backgrounds.

Their songs vary from traditional Welsh songs and opera choruses to songs from the shows and contemporary pieces.

As part of the choir’s successes, the Gwalia Singers performed at the Royal National Eisteddfod and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.  

‌Gwalia Singers conductor, Nick Rogers, said:

‘The experience was scary and exciting at the same time performing in front of Bonnie Tyler.

We had lots of practice for the performance, but overall it was an enjoyable process’.

Picture:  The Campus Catering team get into the spirit of St David's Day, ready for the lunch

More pictures of our catering team marking St David's Day.

Candace Ingram from Los Angeles, who is visiting Swansea University on an exchange scheme and was enjoying the concert, said:

‘Swansea and Wales is the best place I could have come to!  The people are great and very hospitable, and the learning and the style of teaching here is fantastic’.

Raymond Ciborowski, Swansea University Registrar, said:

‘It’s a delight to welcome Bonnie Tyler, who is a graduate of ours, back to celebrate St. David’s Day with us.

Swansea University takes pride in being Welsh, we have been a part of the community for one hundred years and we hope to be a part for another hundred years’.

 ‌Picture:  The Gwalia Singers performing the classic Welsh hymn Calon Lan.

 Article written by Eve Oliver