In August, Ely Youth Centre hosted young pupils from Stuttgart to mark the long-standing Cardiff Stuttgart twinning, a partnership that has spanned over five decades. The twinning between Cardiff and Stuttgart was established in 1955 and is now recognised as Europe’s longest-running youth exchange program. This year’s exchange was extra special as it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the twinning between Cardiff and Stuttgart.
To celebrate this occasion, young people from Ely’s youth centre travelled to Stuttgart. Emily Goa from St David’s College received an invitation to attend this jubilee event. This also involved the youth program creating a video and presenting it during the ceremony.
This event celebrates the shared history between the two cities and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of international friendship, cultural understanding, and the creation of opportunities for young people. The event was honoured by The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Adrian Robson, who attended and said, “It is a great honour to welcome our friends from Stuttgart to Cardiff again” during the event in Ely.
Their relationship is characterised by a strong focus on youth exchanges and cultural programs that have been active for half a century. The Cardiff Stuttgart twinning continues to thrive through various initiatives, including artistic collaborations and international events such as the annual food festival.
Key events marking the 70th anniversary included a delegation visit from Stuttgart, led by Mayor Dr Alexandra Sussmann, who visited Cardiff to celebrate. The celebration featured a special tree-planting ceremony in Bute Park, a common tradition symbolising the friendship between the cities. In addition, a new anniversary plaque was placed on the commemorative Cardiff–Stuttgart bench in the Stuttgart Garden at Bute Park.
A cultural event was also held at North Ely Youth Centre to mark this milestone. It featured a photo exhibition, community garden activities, language exchange sessions, Welsh cake baking, and more!
Well done, Emily, on representing the young people of Cardiff in such an internationally focused way and continuing the proud legacy of the Cardiff Stuttgart twinning.
