Wales welcomes Ryder Cup with celebratory concert

To celebrate the world famous Ryder Cup being staged in Wales for the first time, organisers today announced that they have appointed Live Nation, the world’s largest producer of live concerts, to stage Welcome to Wales; a unique multi-artist concert, introduced by celebrities and golf stars. 

‘Welcome to Wales’ will be staged at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Wednesday 29 September 2010.
 
‘Welcome to Wales’ will be the signature event that will galvanize The 2010 Ryder Cup celebrations in spectacular style.  Set in stunning surroundings and featuring musical performances by international superstars including popular Welsh artists, along with appearances by special guests, ‘Welcome to Wales’ will also incorporate the introduction of The Ryder Cup teams from across Europe and the United States.
 
Ryder Cup Wales, The Welsh Assembly Government and Ryder Cup Europe LLP will make history as they deliver The 2010 Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Wales, with a massive, global TV audience.  The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s most watched sporting events and is staged every two years, alternating between venues in Europe and the United States.  This is the first time The Ryder Cup is being held in Wales and will take place at The Celtic Manor Resort in the City of Newport between 28 September and 3 October 2010.
 
Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, said:  “The Ryder Cup will be a huge event for Wales and we are keen to ensure a warm Welsh welcome to visitors, this is an ideal way to kick-start proceedings and show the world what Wales has to offer."
 
Richard Hills, the European Ryder Cup Director, said: “Welcome to Wales is a unique addition to Ryder Cup week which we welcome. The eyes of the world will be focused on Wales that week, and we are delighted that this concert will reinforce the country’s superb commitment in hosting the contest and providing entertainment of the highest calibre.”

The stellar line up of artists performing at ‘Welcome to Wales’ on 29 September will be released at a later date together with ticketing information and hospitality packages.

Graham Pullen, Live Nation, said: “There’s few things in life that unite and excite people more than sport and music and Welcome To Wales is a celebration of both.  The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and it’s a honour to be staging the opening event.”
 
For more information about Welcome to Wales, visit welcome2wales.co.uk.