Media Release
Manchester, Dec 20: The Konkani Cultural Association – UK (KCA UK) celebrated its annual Christmas celebration ‘Christmas Boom’ on December 9 with families from near and far gathering at St Kentigern’s Parish Hall, Manchester.
Be kind and compassionate was the theme of this year’s celebration.
The celebration was kicked off at 7pm by four of KCA’s young adults: Cliona Pinto, Joel Saldanha, Steffi Pinto, and Sarah Barboza. They were the Master of ceremonies for the evening and provided a fun and energetic display to engage the audience and introduce the party spirit. These four provided an amazing new experience and spin to the start. This was guided by an experienced KCA UK Master of Ceremony Joseph Sequeira.
Sujith Rodrigues, president of KCA UK, then proceeded to give a warm welcome to all guests who had attended, Sujith reiterated the celebration theme ‘Be kind and compassionate’ and urged, especially the kids to be more kind to each other.
Wilson Coelho and Ajith Rego were on hand to capture each moment on camera. Moving on, all participants came to the stage to sing Christmas carols led by the Sujith Rodrigues, Joe Andrade and Wilson Coelho. Carols were sung in both Konkani and English and done very well to maintain and lift the festive spirit.
All spotlight was upon the children and little ones, who beautifully performed the nativity play reminding all present about the true meaning of Christmas whilst also tying in this year’s theme. The play was coordinated by Cecilia Andrade, Marina Monis, Anthony Mary and Lainet Pinto. It came to attention that Santa Clause came to town. Santa paraded joyfully around the hall with his helper greeting all inside. Vinjoy Rego was brilliant as Santa and Priya Rego was equally contributed in supporting Santa. Children were invited to come forward to meet him and each one received a gift.
The meal service included a delicious chaat bar. Whilst the crowd were enjoying their food, they were treated to singing and dancing carried out by young members of the community.
Two more young members, Frewin Pinto and Rodney Rodrigues, oversaw the entertaining games for the evening, hosting games for younger children, young adults and adults with prizes won by those
who came out on top.
Approximately 120 people from different communities were present for the celebration. There approximately 30 small kids enjoyed this celebration with their family.
To thank all who had attended and contributed to the celebration, KCA UK Vice President James Ravi Pinto came forward to offer his kind thanks and regards on behalf of KCA UK.
Members of the KCA UK committee appeared together to run the hamper draw. Amongst the host of items, the biggest prize on the list being the large Christmas hamper generously sponsored by Charlotte Barboza and family and subsequently won by Diana Lobo. To conclude the Christmas Boom, the dance floor was opened to everyone with the DJ playing songs from 10:15 PM onwards to sign off what had been a fabulous and delightful family evening.
For more photos click the link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K0oxMUtMNK6pACQcizEMNvLZ3BovhS5i