The annual celebration, which has become a highlight of the Welsh social calendar, was held at The Chancery Rosewood hotel in London on Monday evening — the eve of St David’s Day itself.
The guest list read like a who’s who of Welsh celebrity, with Carol Vorderman — who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Swansea University last year — among those raising a glass to Wales.
Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite Amy Dowden, Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, TV presenter Alex Jones, former Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones OBE, Wales football captain Ben Davies, bass baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, composer Sir Karl Jenkins, and singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti were also in attendance.
The evening was described as a blend of “warmth, music and genuine national pride”, with guests treated to Welsh-inspired cuisine and a traditional Welsh harp performance.
The night’s entertainment culminated in a surprise performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Catrin Feelings, who wowed the crowd in a traditional Welsh costume.
Katherine herself looked striking in a red Rebecca Vallance dress — a deliberate nod to the national colours of Wales.
At the heart of the evening was Cygnet Gin, the ultra-premium gin brand co-founded by Katherine and her husband, professor and film-maker Andrew Levitas. Guests enjoyed Cygnet 22 Martinis, Cygnet G&Ts and Cygnet 77 Old Fashioneds throughout the night.
Cygnet is distilled at the Cygnet Distillery in SA1, Swansea, and has rapidly established itself as one of the most decorated gin brands in the world. Earlier this year, it made its Hollywood debut as the official gin partner for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes — a milestone Katherine marked on the red carpet in Los Angeles.
The brand’s flagship expression, Cygnet 22, is crafted using 22 botanicals and Manuka honey, and is presented in a hand-blown, hand-constructed decanter called “Eirlys” — the Welsh word for snowdrop. It was named sole gin winner at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024.
Cygnet’s newest launch, Cygnet Infinity — the brand’s first non-alcoholic expression — recently won a Gold Medal at The Spirits Business Low & No Masters 2026.
Speaking about the evening, Katherine said:
“St David’s Day creates a deep sense of pride in where I come from, in the language, the landscape, the music, the warmth of the people. Wales shaped me long before the world stage ever did. Saint David lived simply, preached kindness and said “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” — “do the little things”, I love that.
“Greatness doesn’t always arrive with noise; often it’s found in humility and small daily acts of goodness. That ethos feels very Welsh: hardworking, grounded, quietly strong.”
The evening also served as a platform for Katherine to announce her upcoming 25th anniversary tour, which will see her perform at venues across the UK later this year. Tickets are on sale now.
It is the latest in a string of high-profile events for the Neath-born singer, who has used her platform to champion Welsh talent and culture on the world stage. Last year, she hosted a midsummer celebration of Welsh excellence at Swansea’s copperworks distillery, bringing together some of the biggest names in Welsh public life.
