TFR marks the summer solstice

MEMBERS of The Foreign Residents (TFR) gathered in Lapta on Monday for a “traditional Midsummer Night Celebration” to mark the summer solstice.

The celebration brought together 117 members of the organisation that consists of 34 different nationalities for the “special, Nordic kind of event” at the Blue Song Restaurant and Bar “on the shortest night” of the year, TFR chairman Horst Gutowski told Cyprus Today.

“We celebrate it for our members annually,” Mr Gutowski said, adding that the night “went very well with good music, good food and everybody was happy”.

During a speech at the event, he noted that “the solstice is particularly celebrated by the residents of the northern countries in Europe”.

“The origin comes from the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons, who celebrated this shortest night of the year in good company with a large campfire, with music, singing and dancing, with special flower decorations and of course with a schnapps.

“Tonight we are trying to bring a little of this Nordic flair to Cyprus.”

TFR Events manager Pamela Tschersich said: “We held our breath on Monday not knowing if it would rain us off . . . With no plan B up my sleeve I was very worried but thankfully all our prayers were answered and . . . the weather was perfect.”

She also thanked all those who helped make the summer celebration a success.

“Thank you members . . . you never fail to deliver,” she said. “You showed the world, Covid or not, with two injections under our belts, we’re all ready to live a little.

“Adhering to the Covid rules, members partied away the evening in their usual style with smiling faces, animated conversation . . . some even dancing before the food was served . . . mainly soaking up the friendly atmosphere.

“A huge thank you . . . to Esat Muhtaroğlu, the owner of Blue Song, who along with his staff . . . gave us excellent food and service . ..

“Huge thanks as usual to Andy Reay, who entertained us in his highly professional way, getting members dancing [and] displaying plenty of action . . .

“Thank you also to Sandy Oram our treasurer, who always fine tunes the financial side of these events.

“Lastly my thanks to Horst [Gutowski], who always helps me put together my decorating ideas, not forgetting the rest of the team . . . making them drink copious amounts of shots to test the vodka, making sure we choose the right flavour!”

Ms Tschersich added that an Oktoberfest event will be held on October 3, the Covid-19 situation permitting.