Warwick Rotary Club was delighted with the large turnout at their 17th Thai festival on 4th & 5th September, which was the best year ever! Thousands packed Warwick Racecourse over two days, encouraged by warm weather and the chance to meet up again.
Partner Magic of Thailand brought all all the artists and stalls, and we were delighted hosts Warwick Racecourse provided another date when Coronavirus meant that the June date had to be cancelled.
Warwick Mayor Cllr Richard Edgington opened proceedings, introduced by Rotary President Paul Jaspal, and welcomed our visitors, including Rotary District Governor David Clayfield. Prayers and blessings by Buddhist Monks added to the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Thai people, friends and families poured in each day from far and near, and there was a real sense of joy at being able to meet up in the sun!
Clothing sold well and spices and foodstuffs did a busy trade as the opportunity was taken to stock up on herbs and spices. Then it was time to get some food and a Singha beer and settle down to watch a programme of Thai traditional dancing, local Muay Thai kick boxers, and even ladyboys. It wasn’t long before the crowd started to party down by the stage!
Paul Jaspal said that “Warwick Rotary club has worked with the Thai people since the Tsunami in 2004 when it started an annual festival of culture and food to raise money to help orphans. We have stayed in touch over the years and recently sent aid to Thailand during the pandemic”. It was good to be able to meet up again and it was clear that England and Thailand were having a great time in Warwick this weekend as no-one wanted to go home!
The festival was sponsored by Kia Cars, Warwick Castle, and Singha Beer, and was attended by visitors from the Thai embassy in UK. Warwick Racecourse hosted the event and supported organisers throughout the weekend. CJ Events provided stalls, the 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts helped park all the cars for 2 days, Warwick Ambulance and Warwick Lions were in attendance as well as Rotarians from other clubs helping to marshal the event.
