- British HC Barton says 10-day-long fair to build stronger people-to-people connections, strengthen links in arts, culture, business and education
Saturday saw the start of the biggest event the United Kingdom has ever put on in Pakistan. Opened with much fan fair, ten-day-long GREAT festival is a celebration of the shared relationship between the UK and Pakistan in the 21st century.
“The GREAT festival is a celebration of what makes Britain great and the connections that tie Pakistan and the United Kingdom so closely together,” said British High Commissioner Philip Barton CMG OBE after inaugurating the festival which will continue from October 2 to 11 at Dolmen Mall, Clifton and Avari Towers.
The festival, which is being organised in partnership with the Dolmen and Avari Groups, will showcase British expertise in fashion, retail, music, food, culture and creativity under the UK government’s “Britain is GREAT” campaign.
The festival kicked off with a fashion show curated by Pakistani design doyenne, Maheen Khan, said a statement released by the high commission.
Style and glamour were the order of the evening as models clad in fusion looks of prominent British high street brands including Debenhams, Accessorize, Clarks and Next and Pakistani brands such as Gul Ahmed, Deepak Perwani, Gulabo, Jafferjees and FHS by Hub. The hairstyling partner for the fashion show was TONI & GUY.
Enthusiasts from different walks of life including fashion, media, business, arts, culture and diplomatic corps attended the event. UK Trade Champion Baroness Nosheena Mobarik CBE represented the UK government at the inauguration ceremony.
High Commissioner Barton said, “It is a celebration of our shared relationship in the 21st century. It is about looking forward, building stronger people-to-people connections and strengthening our links in arts, culture, business and education.”
“The very fact that the Festival can take place here in Karachi is a sign of our faith in this great city. It is a reflection of the improved security situation,” added the high commissioner.
“Our two countries are joined by bonds that are long lasting and deep. Business and culture are a central part of this relationship. The ties that join the two countries are as strong as ever. Over 100 British firms are operating successfully in Pakistan and we are working to increase bilateral trade and investment. We are also promoting the arts by working with top British creative talent, bringing high quality events to Pakistan, collaborating with local artists and cultural institutions, and connecting arts professionals from both countries,” concluded Barton.
Speaking on the occasion, Dolmen Mall owner Nadeem Riaz said, “We are proud to partner with the British High Commission for the festival which provides an excellent opportunity for Pakistani and British brands to showcase themselves under one roof.”
The festival will feature a number of planned activities including special promotions, book readings, storytelling sessions, hair and beauty shows, and daily lucky draws.
The British Council will be installing a ‘pop-up’ library at Dolmen Mall, giving a preview of the new British Council libraries that will open in Lahore and Karachi early next year. In addition to books to read, digital resources to explore and a children’s corner, there will be numerous educational and cultural events to participate in.
For food lovers, the festival will offer British cuisine at Avari Towers in Karachi from October 5 to 10, where renowned British chef Dominic South delight food lovers with a quintessentially British menu.