In a world where we are much more likely to switch on our television sets and hear about conflict and destruction, it was a refreshing and uplifting time to be able to celebrate the true variety of cultures and nationalities from all over the world, living, studying and working here in Bath.
Representatives from over
30 different countries came to display the best of what their country had to offer- it was a question of national pride as people dressed in traditional costumes: from sunny lemon yellow saris from Pakistan, to sequined hats in aquamarine blue from Iraq and a scarlet gown from Tanzania.
Each cook had spent the day working over their particular favourite dish from their own country: pelmeni (small pastries with meat) from
Russia;
French quiches and tartlets;
Indian pokorah and chickpea chart;
Hungarian poppy seeded roulades and goulash;
Bulgarian spices ordered especially from London; Indian halva; hot
Chinese meatballs; tempting
German cakes and much more. All washed down with
Caribbean punch full of exotic fruits with a kick that we were told need no alcohol to improve the flavour.
As the doors opened, crowds of people queued to join the feast in the exquisite surroundings of the Banqueting Hall in the Guild Hall in Bath. The Charter Trustees of town counsellors had generously donated the use of this venue, with its outstanding crystal chandeliers hanging form the ceiling- worth over one million pounds a piece! It really was an event fit for a king. It was an honour to receive a welcome form the Lord Mayor himself, the Right Honourable Mr. Tim Ball.
Other guests present represented the twinning associations. Bath is formally linked with towns in Germany, Holland, France and
Hungary and each put on a display of their wares and produce with photographs and food. The Belarusian society “Klub Privyet” was there in force: students of a Belarusian teacher had had the opportunity to visit the country last year and had returned as winning ambassadors for the country, keen to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Later on that night, the
University of Bath ballroom dance society came on to demonstrate a wealth of dances from the Cha Cha Cha to the Rumba, the quick step and the jive. Our world DJ had played global music all night and the evening finished with some spontaneous Greek dancing.
It was an evening of rich flavours and dazzling colours to welcome in the darker nights and shorter days of the autumn in England. Many photos showed sun kissed beaches and warmer climates of countries that have been left behind. As students and citizens from around the globe met together, the evening highlighted the warmth of community spirit that is possible here in Bath. This is a country not known for its warm climate, but a country rich in culture and diverse peoples who have chosen to make England, and Bath, their home.
Thank yous
Home