The Armenian Street Festival is the biggest all-Armenian event held in the United Kingdom. For one day, the festival gathers members of Armenian communities from different corners of the country. The festival is held at the initiative of the Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland of the Armenian Apostolic Church, through the efforts and with the participation of the local Armenian community. Every year, this cultural festival is celebrated in the churchyard of the Saint Sargis Armenian Church and gathers Armenians from different cities of the country, even other Armenian communities

“It’s crazy to see how united and excited the people are,” well-known London-Armenian violinist Levon Chilingiryan said, adding: “The festival plays a very important role in the life of the Armenian community of London. Did you know that it is hard to imagine such a relationship between these people in London alone? London is a big city. The youth are so busy that they can’t always find the time to participate in cultural events. This festival fills the gap, and they gather at Aiverna Gardens (the location of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the St. Sargis Church) with excitement and become a part of the national event.”

Like every year, this year the Armenian Street Festival also hosted UK-based Armenians and representatives of different Armenian organizations that were presenting their activities in the spheres of arts, education, culture and public sectors (music, fine arts, performing arts, publication of books, handmade items, Armenian products, Armenian cuisine, etc.) in separate pavilions.

“This festival provides us with a great opportunity to come together, communicate and introduce foreigners to the Armenian community and our national culture,” Director of the “Haiashen” Armenian Center for Information and Counseling Misak Ohanian (London) said, adding: “The festival is gathering Armenians from different cities of the United Kingdom. So, this festival serves as an opportunity for them to get to know each other and simply be together once a year. However, our objective is to organize meetings more frequently. It is obvious that there is not much activism and interest on other days of the year.”

There were also official guests. Head of the Kensington-Chelsea Royal District Elizabeth Rutherford, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Member of the House of Commons Steven Pound, attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia for Consular Affairs Haiarpi Drmeyan and others also gave their welcoming remarks.

“What is very important for me is the youth’s participation in this festival,” Primate of the Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan said, adding: “Our main goal is to gather the Armenians of the United Kingdom for at least one day and consolidate them around their identity, that is, our culture, history and spiritual heritage.”

Well-known violinist Levon Chilingiryan, Komitas Choir, Akhtamar Folk Dance Ensemble and other performers gave performances during the festival. The special guests of this year’s festival were dudukist Gevorg Karapetyan and singer Iveta Mukuchyan from Armenia.

Naira Hayrapetyan

Source: Hayern Aysor