14/07/2025
**Eritrean UK Festival 2025**
"Thousands of people had the opportunity to celebrate and participate."
The British Eritrean Festival UK 2025 took place on Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Novotel and Lee Valley in the Royal Borough of Enfield. This event marked the conclusion of the 24th Annual British Eritrean Festival UK.
This year, the festival offered more than ever before and was filled with enthusiasm. The theme for 2025 was "Our Cohesion – Our Armour," which resonated deeply at this significant point in Eritrean history and culture for both Eritreans and friends of Eritrea. The festival showcased Eritrea's socio-economic, cultural, and traditional values. The core values of the British Eritrean Festival UK include promoting harmony, consolidating Eritrean unity, strengthening Eritrea's cultural identity, and encouraging greater mobilisation and organisational development.
The opening ceremony of the festival was graced by a distinguished guest of honour, Mr. Salih Abdella, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Eritrea in the United Kingdom.
Representatives from various organisations, as well as community elders and religious leaders, were also present. The colourful festival in London provided an excellent opportunity for Eritrean communities across the UK to come together. Participants attended from various cities, including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham, Coventry, Leicester, Cardiff, Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Southampton, Bristol, Stoke-on-Trent, and Newcastle.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Muluberhan Berhe, the chairman of the organising committee, and Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Mamoud, the chairman of the British Eritrean Community Organisation Network (BECON), emphasised the importance of festivals in uniting Eritrean nationals. They highlighted the significant role these events play in reinforcing cultural identity and passing down cherished societal values to future generations.
The Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Eritrea to the UK and Ireland, Mr. Salih Abdella, delivered an official speech thanking the participants for their involvement in the celebration of the Eritrean Festival in the UK and provided updates on the current state of affairs.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the cultural performances by traditional young artists, which captivated the audience throughout the festival grounds. Every face beamed with pride as the cultural group presented a performance that was both original and powerfully showcased Eritrean heritage. A graduation ceremony was held for all the graduates this year.
Mr. Tewelde Yohannes, the Head of Public and Community Affairs, led a seminar that provided an overview of the current situation in the Horn of Africa and its geopolitical context. He emphasised that the promising future of the country is becoming increasingly evident, thanks to the resilience of its citizens, both within the country and abroad.
The festival was organised into five main programs: children's activities, family and community activities, an arts and culture program, a Graduation ceremony and sports competitions. The primary focus of these programs was to engage children, youth, families, and communities as a whole. These efforts played a vital role in fostering national unity, mobilising the population, and promoting cultural transformation. Additionally, transferring cultural values and heritage to the next generation has been essential for preserving the nation's independence.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the event was the music performance, which captivated the crowd and showcased a high level of patriotism, with a wave of colourful Eritrean flags dominating the view of every participant. The closing ceremony featured a vibrant combination of sports activities, and all competition winners received awards, creating a stunning spectacle that encouraged viewers to stay engaged.
EmbassyMedia
