Despite the hazardous roads and driving conditions, braving the snowy conditions, Mangaloreans gathered at Addlestone Community Hall to join UK Konkans to kick start Christmas festivities on 10 December. As we are growing from strength to strength, so is our audience interest in our events, forcing us to close bookings almost two weeks prior to the event. Such is our success over the past few years.
Members of Konkani Kutam London (KKL) and South Kanara Association (SKL) joined UK Konkans to display the prevailing unity among Mangalorean associations in the UK.
As a prelude to the event, UK Konkans hosted a photo-session where guests could have their portraits taken with Christmas theme background.
The event was inaugurated with Christmas Carol singing by children and adults followed immediately by Nativity play by young children.
Home-made Kuswar was on sale with this year’s entire sale proceeds being donated to DGM Bethel Church, Shankarapura, a worthy charity reaching out to the destitute and neglected children and adults, picking them up from the streets and rehousing and rehabilitating them.
There were kids’ performances in the form of dances, skits and songs. A new attraction this year was the first time stand-up comedy by child artist, Leon Rebello.
Matching the kids step to step and energy were the adults in their acts including singing, dances and comedy acts.
Santa made his appearance too, distributing sweets to the children.
There were loads of prizes and give-aways and this year’s lucky raffle draw winner was Flora, who incidentally was attending for the first time as a member of KKL.
Mr Chandrashekhar was generous in gifting bags of Annapurna Rice to guests and also as a follow-up winner of the grand raffle draw.
Bombil Mary entertained the crowd with dancing and DJ Ashley ensured the music flowed through out the event with crowds wanting more of his music till the end of the day.
President Sheela D’Silva and Secretary Clara Teixeira presented the vote of thanks to individuals responsible for the success of the organisation and in particular to those who contributed in every little way for the event.
The successful event was beautifully compered by Tom D’Souza and Shanthi Menezes.
UK Konkans wishes all members, their friends and families Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2018.
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