We Were Proud to Be Part of Wrexham’s 55-Year Friendship Celebration with Germany

Hosted at Hotel Wrexham on Monday 13 October, the event brought together more than 70 guests for an evening filled with music, connection and shared stories. It was a real showcase of what can happen when community, creativity and collaboration come together, and we were proud that Done Together CIC helped make it happen.

A Celebration of Friendship and Collaboration

The evening was a joint effort between Hotel Wrexham, Theatr Yr Ifanc (a Rhos-based youth theatre and charity), and us here at Done Together CIC. Together, we planned and delivered the event to mark the long-standing twinning between Wrexham and Märkischer Kreis, and to celebrate 25 years of friendship between Theatr Yr Ifanc and German marching band Spielmannszug Drüpplingsen.

The band travelled from Germany for a week of performances, exchanges and local visits - a true testament to the strength of grassroots cultural connections.

Performances from the youth choir and the marching band were central to the evening, alongside speeches from civic and international guests, including Germany’s Deputy Ambassador, Christian Doktor, who travelled from London for the occasion.

“The increased international interest in Wrexham, and the region’s dynamic development, is re-energising its partnership with Märkischer Kreis,” said Mr Doktor. “Both regions can only benefit from even closer ties, whether in education, business or cultural exchange.”

Meaningful Moments and Shared History

The event was full of heartfelt stories and connections. One particularly special moment came when Christine Ueberacker, a Welsh-born member of the visiting band who helped start the original youth exchange in 2000, realised she had once taught the Deputy Ambassador’s father English while living in Germany!

And in a fitting nod to shared heritage, Mark Roberts from Wrexham Lager presented Drum Major Dirk Wallis with a framed artwork celebrating the brewery’s 1886 German award, connecting two communities through history, friendship and a little bit of beer.

Our First Major Project as Done Together CIC

For us at Done Together, this event was especially meaningful, it marked our first major project since launching earlier this year.

We’re a women-led social enterprise created here in Wrexham to support grassroots organisations, amplify local leadership and reinvest in the community through our Together Fund.

“Quite simply, without volunteers the twinning may not have endured for so many years,” said our Co-Director and Vice Chair of Theatr Yr Ifanc, Natalie Edwards. “This event truly highlights the vital role they play in building strong international ties. On a personal note, it was a full-circle moment for me – seeing the different parts of my life come together in the most meaningful way.”

A Community Effort

We also want to thank Hotel Wrexham for their generosity and hospitality. Under the leadership of Peter Schwiersmann, who’s originally from an area in Germany, near Märkischer Kreis, the venue played a huge role in making the event possible.

“As soon as I heard about the band’s connection to Wrexham, I knew we had to be involved,” Peter said. “It’s exactly the kind of meaningful event we want to support – rooted in culture, collaboration and community pride.”

Representatives from across the city attended – including Wrexham Council, the Mayor of Wrexham, the German Embassy, Go North Wales, Wrexham Lager, Allington Hughes, the Stiwt, JCB, and Wrexham City Board – showing how wide the circle of community connection truly is.

Looking Ahead

As Wrexham continues to grow its reputation both nationally and internationally, this event was a beautiful reminder that the heart of our city lies in its people, in the volunteers, artists, and community groups who bring stories and friendships to life.

We’re so proud to have been part of it. And we can’t wait to keep building moments like this – done together.