Friday 25 August 2023
FLY TO THE US
Elfyn will collect you from your local area to transfer you to London in time for your flight to Chicago with United Airlines.
25/08/22 UA928 London Heathrow >> Chicago 13:05 >> 16:05
On arrival complete immigration formalities and then transfer to the hotel and check-in for the next 5 nights.
Saturday 26 August 2023
DISCOVER CHICAGO
This morning, meet your guide for your excursion around the Windy City! Many street names in Chicago have Welsh origins. Head to the Bryn Mawr (Welsh for “big hill”) Historic District this morning for a brief tour before visiting the Chicago History Museum for an introduction to the history of the city. Later, there will be time to visit Navy Pier and see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park.
Sunday 27 August 2023
EXCURSION TO RACINE, MILWAUKEE, AND WALES
Journey out of the city and head to Racine, WI for a visit to the Firehouse 3 Museum. Founded in 1852, the original crew was known to shout their commands and directions exclusively in Welsh. Continue on to Milwaukee to visit the Historic Third Ward and sightsee along the bank of Lake Michigan. The first brewery in Milwaukee was opened by Welsh settlers. The last stop will be to the village of Wales, WI. The Village was settled in the 1840s by Welsh immigrants. Today the community strives to preserve the record of these early inhabitants.
Monday 28 August 2023
EXPLORE CHICAGO
Jackson Park and the Museum of Science and Industry are the few areas that remain from the World’s Columbian Expedition. In September 1893, this was where the Welsh held their International Eisteddfod – a competitive literary and music festival. While exploring the museum, be sure to check out the Coal Mine exhibit. Many Welsh settlers who came to this area worked in this industry. Later drive by the South Works Industrial TIF. Although the area is currently vacant, it was once a booming steel plant.
Tuesday 29 August 2023
DAY OF REST
Take some time today to explore the city on your own. The day is free to take a stroll along the Riverwalk, check out the renowned works of art at the Art Institute of Chicago, or take in panoramic views at Skydeck Chicago. There’s plenty to see and do, so don’t miss out.
Wednesday 30 August 2023
TRAVEL TO LINCOLN
Check out of the hotel for the morning flight south to Nebraska to attend the North American Festival of Wales. This tradition began in 1929 and became the largest gathering of Welsh, descendants, and friends in North America. So prepare yourself for four full days of song, merriment, and camaraderie with old and new friends celebrating the life, heritage, and culture of Wales.
30/08/22 UA3982 Chicago >> Lincoln 08:54 >> 10:42
Board the coach and transfer to the hotel and check-in for the next 5 nights. Tonight, join the festival attendees for an informal kick-off event which will include small performances from the weekend line-up as well as special guests, TRIANO.
Thrusday 31 August 2023
THE FESTIVAL OPENS!
Tours to places of local interest including the Museum of Speed. In the late afternoon, attend the Festival Opening at the State Capital. A buffet meal will be eaten and you will attend the opening Concert with Dylan Morris and 2023 Urdd Eisteddfod Winners.
Friday 1 September 2023
WELSH HERITAGE IN NEBRASKA DAY
Time tour out to Wymore, visiting a one room schoolhouse, Bethel Cemetery and the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project. On the return, visit the Homesteading Museum which tells the important story of how the land in the West was settled and connects to how/why Welsh settled in that area. Tonight, attend the North America Wales Foundation Banquet with entertainment by the 2022 Osborne Roberts winner Leisa Dafydd.
Saturday 2 September 2023
FESTIVAL DAY
Enjoy festival day-time activities including seminars, Cinema from Wales and Theatre Production. Buffet dinner. Grand Concert featuring Rhys Meirion, Gwawr Edwards and Steffan Lloyd Owen under the direction of Robat Arwyn.
Sunday 3 September 2023
GYMANFA GANU
Morning church service (or free morning) then you will attend the second part of the Gymanfa Ganu under the direction of Robat Arwyn. Evening meal included before going to the Noson Lawen.
Monday 4 September 2023
TRAVEL BACK TO LONDON
Check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
04/09/22 UA34286 Lincoln >> Denver1415 >> 1456
04/09/22 UA27 Denver >> London Heathrow 1730 >> 0940 (lands 05/09)
Tuesday 5 September 2023
The last leg of the trip Board the coach at Heathrow and travel back to North Wales.