Thousands of visitors descended onto Alexandra Palace over the weekend to celebrate the 34th Cypriot Wine Festival & Business Expo, the London Cypriot community’s biggest annual event organised by Parikiaki.
Throughout the two-day extravaganza, Cypriots from all over London and further afield, as well as hundreds of non-Cypriots, were able to experience all things Cypriot – from soutziouko and KEO beer to souvlakia and Commandaria!
The festival was officially opened on Saturday by Cyprus Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides, who in his address, pointed out that Parikiaki as well as the community are constantly trying to promote Cypriot wine and products to the British market.
Additionally, he said that his presence here in London “shows willingness to further upgrade wine production” and at the same time he expressed the respect of the Cypriot government to the diaspora for their valuable effort in sustaining the Cypriot customs and traditions.
“I convey the gratitude of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and I want to ensure you that the government will continue to support your efforts.”
Commenting on the result of the EU referendum, the Spokesman said that “under the new circumstances, the role of the community in sustaining and improving the relations between Cyprus and the UK has become even more crucial.”
Mr Christodoulides concluded by congratulating Parikiaki on organising the festival and wished the event every success.
Giorgos Loucaides, Parliamentary Spokesman of AKEL and member of the Secretariat, praised our newspaper as well as all those who worked for the success of the festival, and expressed appreciation from the Central Committee of AKEL.
He noted that the success of this event throughout the years reveals its importance as well as the need to continue its upgrade so that the future generations can continue to enjoy Cypriot culture.
Mr Loucaides further expressed his warmest wishes to the Turkish Cypriots who attended the festival: “Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots living together in London prove that when the people of Cyprus are left alone, they can live together in peace and harmony.”
He concluded, “This is indeed a significant occasion for all Cypriots.”
Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira & Great Britain, extended his warm congratulations to Parikiaki on the continued success of the festival, adding that the Church will always be supportive of such community events.
Parikiaki’s Managing Director & General Secretary of AKEL in Britain Mr Bambos Charalambous, welcomed all those present to the 34th Cypriot Wine Festival, “the biggest annual Cypriot event in Britain.”
He extended a special welcome to the distinguished guests; Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira & Great Britain, Cyprus Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides, Parliamentary Spokesman of AKEL Giorgos Loucaides, Cyprus High Commissioner Euripides Evriviades, British MPs Kate Osamor and Catherine West, Labour Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore, President of POMAK and DISY UK Andreas Papaevripides, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Christos Karaolis, President of DIKO UK Michalis Ellinas, President of EDEK UK Michalis Kashis, Leader of Merton Council Stephen Alambritis, Councillors George Savva and Bambos Charalambous, Organising Secretary of AKEL in Britain Charalambos Pitris, Chair of the Cypriot Community Centre Suzie Constantinides, and members of community associations and organisations.
A special welcome was also extended to the “our Turkish-Cypriot compatriots, who are tireless supporters of both the festival and the newspaper.”
Mr Charalambous continued, “Like every year we have a wide variety of businesses and organisations that support the Cypriot Wine Festival through sponsorships and stalls. It is because of their help and contribution that we are able to hold a large and successful festival.”
He added, “Cyprus has a long tradition in wine making; Archaeological evidence point to the production of wine in Cyprus as early as 4000 BC and the discovery of the Kyrenia Ship points to international wine trade as far back as 400 BC. Cyprus, still grows the ancient vines of Mavro, Maratheftiko and Xinisteri – in addition to a variety of international vines – and you will be able to taste all of them here today – but please do enjoy yourselves responsibly…..The first Wine Festival in Limassol took place in 1961. It symbolises the traditional getting together of wine-making regions at the end of the harvest, where people would work together to crush and barrel the grapes for the fermentation process – and of course to enjoy what was left of last year’s wine.”
“The Cypriot Wine Festival in Britain,” Mr Charalambous continued, “started in 1983, through the desire to share our culture, our food and our wine with the next generation of British-Cypriots and with the multitude of communities of London – where we now live. It’s a celebration of Cyprus where we are from, but also a celebration of the diversity of our adopted home.”
In closing, Mr Charalambous said, “I’d like to wish that you will enjoy the stalls, the food, the performances and celebrate with us our culture.”
The opening was formally conducted by Parikiaki’s George Michaelides who spoke of what the festival means to Cypriots living in London and why it is important to maintain our customs and traditions.
George Dalaras sets soothing atmosphere across Ally Pally
Headlining the festival’s music line-up was none other than one of the most respected and celebrated singers in the modern history of Greek music, George Dalaras, who pleased visitors with his biggest hits spanning his 50-year music career.
Giving a soothing performance before the thousands of spectators, Dalaras performed some of his most renowned songs including the ever popular song for Cyprus, Hrisoprasino Fillo, which was received with rapturous applause from the audience.
Dalaras was accompanied throughout his two hour set by Aspasia Stratigou and his incredible band.
A huge well done and thank you to Andy Constantinou of Show Productions who worked tirelessly with great dedication on this year’s show!
Plenty of entertainment
There was plenty of fresh entertainment to enjoy throughout the weekend…
Well known chef, Christos Christodoulou of RIK TV’s Kaftes Piperies, cooked up a storm with his live cooking demonstrations on both days.
X Factor 2015 contestant Monica Michael blew the audience away with her amazing vocals as did Panos Alafouzos from The Voice Greece who performed many crowd pleasers by well known Greek artists – he is definitely one to watch!
Monsieur Doumani brought something different to the event with their traditional, yet modern Cypriot sound.
Andria Antoniou left great impressions with her great vocal ability, as did Vangelis Polydorou from The Voice UK.
There was traditional Greek dancing by St Cyprian’s dancing group, and all the way from Cyprus, the Antigoni Tasouri Dance Academy proved to be one of the highlights of the entertainment programme with a contemporary dance routine as well as a solo performance from West End star George Ioannides.
Bouzouki Fever, a group of talented bouzouki players varying in age, accompanying their tutor Marios Constantinou and Dora Georgoulli on vocals, went down a treat yet again.
A massive thank you to DJ Chris Theocharous of HRS Entertainment and DJ Funksy of GreekBeatRadio who kept the crowd going with the very best in Greek and English music, and to the hosts, Cypriot actors/comedians Marios Demetriou and Marinos Konsolos, who made sure the entertainment programme run smoothly throughout the weekend.
Cypriot exhibitors
Alexandra Palace’s Great Hall was filled with companies promoting their businesses and products. There was plenty to eat, plenty to drink and plenty of traditional Cypriot delicacies to sample. Souvlakia, kleftiko, lountza and halloumi sandwiches, kalamari, tiropittes, lokmades, shiamishi, koubes, mahalepi, rose flavoured ice-cream – there was something for everyone!
A massive thank you
Parikiaki would like to thank the festival’s sponsors and supporters without whom this event would not be possible: Assetgrove, Bank of Cyprus UK, Cyprus High Commission, Argo, P & S Cartons, Star Lettings and Estates, Boulter & Company Solicitors, C. Michael & Co, NN Accounting Services Ltd, The Ability Group, Sakkas Limited, G. Theo Builders Limited, Southern Territory, Nicholas James, Babinondas Restaurant and Andy’s Kebab House
Last but not least, to the thousands of visitors, to all our volunteers who donated their time over the two days and to the management and staff of Parikiaki who worked tirelessly in the months leading up to the event to make this festival a huge success.
Until next year, Pinne Krasin Nasheis Zoi!
Andrea Georgiou
Photos: Peter Pentayiotis & Stelios Theodorou