Lead singer of ‘7 Notes’, Myron Lucas, along with girls from Rhythmix group at the UK Goan Festival 2024 at the Cranford Community College ground in London on August 4.
Photo Credits: D&C Studioz
LONDON
An estimated crowd of over 10,000 people from across the UK and beyond flocked to the Cranford Community College ground to attend the annual ‘UK Goan Festival 2024’, the Original Goa Day, organised by the Goan Association UK on August 4.
MASS
The festival which coincided with the feast of St Vianney began at 11 am with Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Canon Norbert Fernandes, the first Canon of Goan origin at the Westminster Cathedral.
The concelebrants for the Mass were Goan Chaplains, Fr Patrick DeSouza, Fr Feroz Fernandes and Fr Jovito D'Souza. The celebrants and the altar servers were led to the altar by President of GOA (UK) Ravi Vaz with youth Brass Band leading the way in true spirit of celebration of the feast.
St Anselm’s Choir from Southall sang hymns in Konkani and English, making the service memorable. There was also a lot of youth participation through the Youth Goan Association UK.
PERFORMANCES
The Mass was followed by performances from talented local artists. Among them were youth dancing the Portuguese Corridinho and over 70 children from Rythmix led by Vance Machado.
The main performers included Cyrus Berne, Feebex Coutinho, DJ Queency, DJ Flacid, DJ Velfern, The Royal Band and various other local performers.
The headline act was the Goan hearthrobs ‘The 7 Notes Band’ and DJ Ryan Nogar. They set the stage on fire, with a sea of people enjoying themselves and dancing to their tunes.
ENTERTAINMENT
There was entertainment for all ages, with various rides at the ground. The sponsor Tilda had put up various activities and games like face painting, spin the wheel and whack-a-mole and also gave away Tilda discount vouchers.
There were a wide variety of food stalls which were well patronised by attendees at the event. Guests and regulars booked tickets well in advance taking part of the early bird offer that also allowed them to fast-track the queues to get into the venue.
CHARITY
The Goan Association UK organised the raffle draw to raise funds for the Goan Chaplaincy and the Pilar Fathers. The event also supported the Mayor of Swindon’s charity drive. Both received very good response at the festival.
DIGNITARIES
The festival was well attended by various celebrities and dignitaries. Reita Faria, the first Indian to win the Miss World, Consul General of Portugal in London Dr Luis Leandro da Silva and the Portuguese delegation, Attache Minister Coordination from the Indian High Commission Ajay Kumar, Mayor of Swindon Imtiaz Shaikh, Mayor of Hounslow Karen Smith, and the delegation from the Hounslow Council.
Reita Faria, the first Indian to win the Miss World, addresses the UK Goan Festival 2024.
The Indian High Commissioner HE Vikram Doraiswami sent a special message congratulating the Goan Association (UK) for their work with the community.
There was also special video message from the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, Dr José Cesário wishing the Goan Community and the Association. The Consul General of Portugal also announced that they would be working very closely with the Goan Association (UK) to reach out the Portuguese nationals of Goan origin and also that the validity of the Portuguese passport would soon be extended from 5 years to 10 years.
ORGANISATION
This event was organised by the board of directors of the Goan Association UK under the leadership of Ravi Vaz (President). His team included Juliette De Menezes-D’Costa (Vice President), Flavio Gracias (Finance Director), Felix Pereira (Assistant Finance Director), Chloe De Mendonca (PR & Social Director), Savio D’Souza (Sports Director) and their families.
The MCs with some of the organisers and ‘7 Notes Band’ at the UK Goan Festival 2024.
“We worked hard to deliver a well organised, seamless event to ensure that success was there to be enjoyed by all,” said Ravi Vaz.
“The GOA (UK) board of directors work on a voluntary basis and the organisation has been serving the Goan community in the UK since the last 58 years. All profits from the event go into organising events for the community like pilgrimages, social and sports events.”
“It enabled us to support our Goan community during difficult times, such as Covid.”
“The Board conveys its thanks to the sponsors, volunteers and above all to the thousands of supporters who made a commitment to support the event. Festival revellers had come for the love of all that is Goan – good food, scintillating music and dancing and the festival delivered on all that and much more. It was truly a memorable day for all those who attended,” Ravi added.
