3 days Ago
A man who went viral on social media for singing the Welsh national anthem solo at a rugby game in France has joined a local choir. Ben Scales, from Brighton , was attending a Wales v France rugby game at the Stade de France in March 2023 when he gave a rousing rendition of the Welsh national anthem. Ben, 52, who runs an assessment management advisory business , was taking a French client to the game, so was watching from the French section of the stadium.
As the lone Welsh fan, Ben belted out Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau to resounding applause from spectators around him. A clip of his impromptu performance went viral on social, racking up over 466,000 views on X (Twitter). Fair play Ben Scales - surrounded by French fans in Paris yesterday, belts out Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, spilling his beer, bursting with pride, to the delight of the home support.
.. 👏👏🏴🏴 #FRAvWAL @WelshRugbyUnion pic.
twitter.com/8Y7N4o24nM — Andy Davies (@adavies4) March 19, 2023 The father of two decided it was time to “refine my vocal skills”, so after stumbling across Brighton Welsh Male Voice Choir, rocked up to their weekly rehearsal in Hangleton. Ben’s mother is a “Cardiff girl” and he has spent significant amounts of time in Wales over the years.
As a Rugby fan, Ben learned the national anthem, but is not a fluent Welsh speaker. For many, the choir is an opportunity to learn some of the language. Whilst many in the choir have some connection to the country, “at least half” don’t.
Wales is often referred to as the land of song, due in part to its many male voice choirs which have their roots in the chapels that sprung up in the 18th century. These chapels accommodated for the new influx of migrants into Wales, attracted by the booming iron and coal industries. Brighton Welsh Male Voice Choir will be performing in Hove in December (Image: Supplied) Ben said: “The language and culture is important and spending a bit of time in Wales, as I do, you do feel more connected if you have a little of the language and can demonstrate you’re interested to the point of being able to sing some of the classic numbers.
It’s an important part of my life. “People in the choir say that if you put us anywhere in Wales, no one would know we’re from Brighton.” The choir will be performing at Hove Deep Sea Anglers Club on the Western Esplanade on December 4.
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