Following the resounding success of our Eid Al-Fitr Party, it was going to be a real challenge to come up with something equal, never mind anything better!...

Organizing an event like this is always stressful... Needless to say, it is a lot more so when you are given that task having just been elected to the Council!.. That was the pressure that Heba, our new Activities and Social Affairs Officer, had to contend with!..

The first step was to find a suitable venue, and Heba came up with the ideal place.. Aagrah Restaurant, just outside Bradford, offered spacious and modern facilities, with ample parking, and a reputation for excellent food and first-class service...

Then, everyone on the Council chipped in to do their bit to ensure that our guests have a Party to remember... We had to come up with a entertainment programme that would get our guests involved, and would ensure that everyone has an excellent time...

To our delight, His Excellency Dr Sami Khiyami, the Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic and his wife, along with two of the top officials in the Embassy, Mr Mohammad Sammouri and Mr Mohammad Hajj Ibrahim, confirmed that they will be attending.. On the day, we were delighted to welcome them, along with two more guests, Dr Alber Al-Ahmar, and Mr Ferass Nadde, members of the Council of the newly established Syrian Arab Association of North England (SAANE).

From past experience, we knew that we can rely on the enthusiasm of our Members, friends, and guests.. in particular, we knew we could rely on the vitality and resourcefulness of our youngsters.. and they did not disappoint!...

When we advertised the Party, we announced that we will be running a 'Young Talent Contest', and our young Members got to work immediately.. Rehearsals and preparations started in earnest, as every one wanted to coveted honour of winning the Talent Contest.. Nevertheless, we felt that we should not expect from our guests any more than we, ourselves, are prepared to offer!.. More on that later!...

After the lovely meal, the 'entertainment' started by the Council Officers giving a patriotic rendition of the National Anthem, helped by all members of the audience, and accompanied by the sublime tunes of Dana's flute...

This was followed by a spirited performance from the Council Officers, singing a short medley of popular patriotic songs, setting the scene for the rest of the evening!...

Then, we had some fantastic performances from a large number of youths: a dance from 'Impulse', a group of five teenage boys, Rami, Tariq, Mohammad, Majed, and Faisal; a song-dance duet from two delightful young ladies, Dana and Leila; a stand-up comedy routine from Omar, a brave young man who roused the audience with his sharp delivery and clever jokes; a solo performance from Bahij playing the guitar; and two excellent solo singing performances from Zouhair and Maria.. We even had a Turkish guest, who thrilled the audience when he played his bouzouki!... In the end, the audience voted for the five young men of Impulse and their dance routine.. Their prize: a shiny, brand-new Play Station 3!...

After that, we had a much more professional performance from the singing sensation, Hala Arsalan, who, despite battling with a rather nasty flu, delighted the audience with her lovely performance of a few Fairuz songs... She was accompanied on the keyboard by Humam, whose skill and talent beautifully complimented Hala's performance...

To round up the entertainment, the Council Officers, dressed in traditional costumes, returned to the stage to sing a medley of popular folk songs.. The audience were also treated to the excellent Dabkeh talents of our Memebrs, who emerged on the stage, also dressed in traditional costumes brought especially from Damascus for this occasion!...

Finally, there was a draw of raffle prizes, and a few lucky guests won some excellent prizes, all donated by the SFiB Members and Council Officers...

So, once again, the immense hard work and dedication of our Council Officers, helped in no small measure, by the enthusiasm and talent of our Members and guests, all ensured that we all had a Eid Party to remember...

Click here to re-live the highlights of that lovely day, through some beautiful photos...

Please make cheques payable to

‘Syrian Society in Britain’

Please send your cheques,

along with names of guests and ages of any children, to:

Mrs Samera Tayan, I Bridge Drive, Cheadle SK8 1HN

Places can only be guaranteed upon receipt of full payment

Book Early to Avoid Disappointment

وكل عام وأنتم بخير