
The opening ceremony was also attended by Eritrean Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the United Kingdom and Ireland H.E. Tesfamichael Gerahtu, Enfield, representative on behalf of David Burrows; MP for Enfield Southgate, Councilor Erkan Hurer, representative of various organisation, Friends of Eritrea, Community Elders & Religious leaders.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the chairman of the British Eritrean Community, Mr Ahmed Mohammed, stressed the
paramount importance of holding festivals in bringing Eritrean nationals together. It also has a vital role to play in reinforcing identity and bequeathing cherished societal values to future generations, he added.



Among st the highs of the opening ceremony were the cultural performances by the traditional cultural group, which captivated the audience from each corner of the festival ground. Each and every face was filled with pride whilst the cultural group displayed a performance that was original overpowering the host culture. An exhibition that depicts the Eritrean culture and current developments in Eritrea was also opened for the public by the guest of honor. The exhibition also included paintings, photos and craft works from the diverse Eritrean culture and rich history, which depicted the exceptional history of the Liberation struggle in Eritrea. More than 32 Football Teams took part at the sport competition and this year winner is Birmingham Kowakebti.
In a seminar he conducted with the participants of the festival H.E.Osman Saleh, Eritrea Foreign Minister, explained that
the Eritrean government is making enormous investment with major focus on the rural area with a view to ensuring social justice and sustainable economic development, and that increased endeavors would be exerted to give added momentum to the nation’s development process. He further pointed out that the country is in a stage where its bright future is becoming progressively evident thanks to the spirit of steadfastness among citizens inside the country and abroad in foiling anti-Eritrean agendas.

The Festival was organized across seven programs, which were children’s activities, family & community activities, arts & culture program, youth forums & ideas, sports competition. Thus, the main thrust of the program was focus on the activities of children, youth, families and communities in general. The above efforts have been very instrumental in consolidating national unity, national mobilization and organization, cultural transformation and the transfer of the values as cultural heritage to the next generation has thus been crucial in the independence of the nation, Fashion Show by Multi Award winner and best of 10 African Designers Zekarias Solomon.

The closing ceremony was a colorful combination which created a nice view which prompted any viewer to stay tuned. All the beauty and attraction, hearts of the participants and more noticeably of some member of the Zona and cities of UK who staged varied shows in Shows & Competition grounds for 2 consecutive days start to beat fast.
Who would become the winner of Eritrea Festival UK 2013 was their main concern. And it was time; a summarized report of the overall presentation and competitions held in varied fields was presented to the audience by the committee of Festival Task Force – Festival UK 2013 goes to Birmingham.
The lowering of the flag became the last event to seal the night and it was a spectacular event.
The Ambassador gave his closing speech, and after the flag was lowered the crowd processed to get on the field that left the crowd wowed and asking for more.
Yared Tesfay
Embassy Media
London 15th July 2013
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