Doha: First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford officially launched Wales’ campaign to coincide with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, by unveiling a giant bucket hat installation in Doha yesterday.
The launch of the installation kick started the Gŵyl Cymru Festival, 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 larger-than-life bucket hat is a brilliant attraction at the Welsh pavilion in the FIFA Fan Zone on the Corniche. “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,” said Drakeford.
“No one thought we would get to the semi-final, but we did. That’s what’s great about football — anything can happen at the World Cup,” he added.
The bucket hat is a symbol of Welsh football representing the team’s incredible progress in the game and its fans’ passion and spirit. For the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Football Association of Wales has partnered with Spirit of ’58 — the brand responsible for the distinctive bucket hats — to celebrate this momentous occasion for Wales.
The Gŵyl Cymru Festival will project Wales’ values and secure a legacy from Wale’s first World Cup campaign in 64 years, highlighting art, culture and music.
International Women’s Wales National Team player and coach, Jess Fishlock; former international Wales, Liverpool and Juventus player Ian Rush; and former sprint and hurdling athlete Colin Jackson who represented Great Britain and Wales were also present at the launch event. Football Association of Wales’s CEO Noel Mooney; President Steve Williams; and Vice-President Will Lloyd Williams were also present at the event.
“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,” said Colin Jackson.
A Wales Cultural Programme in Doha, which coincides with the Gwyl Cymru festival of culture taking place in Wales and around the world, features events at the UK Ambassador’s Residence in Doha; Katara Cultural Village, and the UK Garden on the Corniche.
