BLS bazaar sparks holiday buzz in Kuwait
Event raises funds for charities
Opportunity
It
was a happy, noisy crowd that gathered at the British School of Kuwait Sports Hall last Friday. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the weather was just perfect for some Christmas shopping. On Nov 30 the British Ladies Society hosted their annual Christmas Bazaar, which has become a signal for the opening of the Christmas shopping season here in Kuwait, from 10 pm to 4 pm at the BSK sports hall in Salwa. In the last few years this bazaar by the BLS has grown into a wonderful experience for the family, an occasion to browse through stalls, pick up some homemade Christmas cookies, make some new friends and generally have a good time.
On Friday the sports hall of British School of Kuwait was transformed into a Christmas market featuring Christmas accessories, decorations, handicrafts, books and gourmet treats. “We are having loads of fun,” said the ‘Cupalcious lady’ selling fancifully decorated cupcakes and cookies. “I have already sold out and it is just noon.” Lyn at the British Academy of International Arts stall was promoting their new course in fashion design and garment creation which will launch in 2013. “Our raffle prize is a very creative hat donated by Patricia Wheelan,” she said handing out raffle tickets.
The British Ladies Christmas bazaar featured about 150 stalls. Many of these do not sell their wares in mainstream shops, thus this was an opportunity for buyers to find goods that are not available elsewhere. “The highlight of the bazaar this year is Santa’s visit from noon until 1.30 pm. This will be followed by a performance by the students of the British School of Kuwait who will play Christmas music from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. And we will give away a free television as a lucky gift later in the day,” smiled Viv Anthony, the bazaar coordinator this year. Viv was busy selling hot beverage and snacks to weary, but happy shoppers.
“This bazaar is an opportunity for people living in Kuwait to experience the holiday buzz, by purchasing presents and gifts from other cultures. There are 150 Stalls, displaying traditional fare, jewellery, Christmas decorations and a wide range of handicrafts,” observed Avril Bailey, President of the BLS. “For those wishing to chance their luck there is a tom-bola,” she continued. “The Bazaar also features our corporate sponsors, including our main sponsor Al Mulla Exchange, are offering a free wide-screen television for one lucky attendee. This is a great way to kick off December in Kuwait.”
This year the BLS had added an activity component to the bazaar to entertain those who wanted a break from shopping. “Entertainment this year is being provided by the British School of Kuwait,” said Viv, “plus there is a visit from Santa Claus.” Children flocked around the henna stall trying different patterns.
The bazaar included a full schedule of entertainment. Music students from the British School of Kuwait gave an excellent musical presentation. “The BSK students were so professional in their presentation and demeanor,” said Laura, a twenty something young mother her arms over laden with shopping bags, “we were very impressed.” At around noon children gathered around Santa collecting stick candies. “Santa is very happy to be here in Kuwait,” smiled the gentleman in red and white. “He is bringing in seasonal cheer and joy to the children of the BLS,” he said promptly handing out a stick candy.
Showcase
The Christmas Bazaar not only serves the BLS members and others in holiday fun and spirit, it is also a most important fund-raising event and one of a kind in Kuwait. The BLS uses the bazaar to raise funds that allows them to support their nominated charities in the UK and Kuwait. The bazaar, a unique and fun-filled day of holiday spirit, is their annual charity fund-raising event. Apart from the commercial vendors, some of the charities supported by BLS also had tables. “We have stalls from the Salvation Army, Cancer research, Operation Hope, Project Mali, St Paul’s Church, Environment Kuwait K’s Path, to name a few,” informed Viv. Sta and her friend were at a stall selling beautiful recycled bead jewelry. “All these are made from magazine pages dipped in varnish by women in Uganda and the proceeds will go towards supporting education in Uganda.”
Teresa St Alban was showcasing the work of a talented young award-winning artist called Rashid Al Alban. “This is his first showing and response has been very good. I have already sold two of his works,” she smiled. Rashid’s abstract work is noteworthy because of his unusual use of colour and form. “I have had a very good bazaar,” said Elaine of First Gifts. “We have had loads of visitors and people are really in the mood for some serious Christmas shopping.” Elaine has added a spot of gold to her frankincense and myrrh to make her ‘first gift’ complete. Nataly the cookie artist was selling gingerbread cookies with beautiful hennaed patterns as icing. The ‘nail mania’ lady was selling nail wraps that are a rage in the West. “They are very user-friendly. Just stick them on to your nails. They will remain for a week at least.”
The British Ladies Society Christmas Bazaar is a great event with great food, loads of Christmas goodies and a lot of good cheer. As Thomas West a British expatriate noted, “It is a very nice taste of Christmas in Kuwait. For those of us who cannot make it home every Christmas, it really brings in the spirit.”