Star-studded midsummer celebration of Welsh excellence held at Swansea’s copperworks distillery
Katherine Jenkins OBE welcomed an elite gathering of celebrities and VIP’s last night for an exclusive midsummer soirée at the Copperworks Distillery in Swansea. The glamorous evening showcased the very best of Welsh excellence, with a bespoke menu crafted by National Chef of Wales Sam Everton and rising star Calum Smith, Junior Chef of Wales.
Timed perfectly between World Gin Day (14 June) and International Martini Day (21 June), the event paid homage to Wales’s award-winning spirits, Cygnet Gin and Penderyn, with cocktails expertly paired to a three-course feast.
With Jenkins also serving as ambassador for the upcoming World Chef Expo 2026 in Newport, the night offered a tantalising glimpse into Wales’s growing influence on the global gastronomic stage, blending heritage, innovation, and world-class distilling in a celebration of national pride.
Welsh Luminaries Max Boyce, Sir Karl Jenkins and Lady Carol Jenkins, Roy Noble OBE, Owain Wyn Evans, Rhodri & Lucy Owen and David Mahoney, joined industry leaders for an unforgettable evening at Swansea’s Copperworks. Arwyn Watkins OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales, officially introduced the culinary stars of the night, while Penderyn CEO Stephen Davies unlocked the doors to the iconic Barrel Warehouse, setting the stage for a one-of-a-kind celebration of Welsh craftsmanship, culture, and cuisine.
Katherine said: “Croeso – a very warm welcome to you all. It is both an honour and a joy to welcome you this evening to the beautifully restored Copperworks Distillery here in the heart of Swansea — a place steeped in history, and now, reborn as a beacon of modern Welsh craftsmanship.
Tonight, we gather not simply for a celebration, but for a moment – a moment that connects the past with the future, tradition with innovation, and heritage with ambition. This setting is no accident. Once the industrial heartbeat of the world’s copper trade, this very site forged connections across continents. And now, through the visionary partnership between Penderyn and Cygnet Gin, it is forging something new — a legacy of excellence in Welsh spirits, sustainability, and storytelling.”
Vicky Watkings, Arwyn Watkins OBE (President CAW), Colin Gray (VP WICC) at Katherine Jenkins’ Midsummer SoireeRoy Noble MBE & Lucy Owens Sir Karl Jenkins – Katherine Jenkins OBE – Midsummer Soiree – Copperworks Distillery SwanseaOwain Wyn Evans, Katherine Jenkins OBE & Arran Rees at the Midsummer Soiree Max Boyce & Sir Karl Jenkins at Katherine Jenkins’ Midsummer Soiree at the Copperworks Distillery in SwanseaKatherine Jenkins OBE at her Midsummer Soiree at the Copperworks Distillery in SwanseaCygnet Gin’s move earlier this year to the meticulously restored Copperworks Distillery in Swansea signalled more than a new home for the brand — it marked a powerful moment in the revival of Welsh craftsmanship. Once the epicentre of the global copper trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Copperworks now stands as a symbol of innovation rooted in heritage, blending luxury, sustainability, and history under one roof.
In a landmark partnership with Penderyn, Cygnet will unveil the Cygnet Gin Experience in July 2025 — an immersive journey through botanical selection, artisanal distillation, and guided tastings. The new attraction forms part of a broader vision to elevate the distillery as a destination for discerning gin enthusiasts and celebrate the artistry behind Wales’s rising spirits industry.
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