On Sunday 1st July, the team at Bowcliffe Hall welcomed 400 guests from the Commonwealth to what was one of the most colourful, diverse and glorious events we have had the pleasure of hosting.
The Garden Party was the fourth that has been organised by The West Yorkshire Lord Lieutenancy and this year’s theme focussed on the Commonwealth, celebrating the Queen’s long-standing role as Head of the Commonwealth and also in part serving as a farewell event for Dame Ingrid Roscoe, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, in the wake of her retirement after fourteen years of service in the post. The sun shone all day for The Commonwealth of Nations Garden Party and guests milled about the beautiful Bowcliffe lawns and gardens – the perfect spot for a festival atmosphere – entertained by an assorted array of entertainment and surrounded by delicious food offerings, all inspired by traditions and cultures from around the Commonwealth. Master of Ceremonies, Mike Smith, added a wonderful sense of occasion to the day, leading those in attendance through the many goings-on.
Amongst the assembly were distinguished guests including guest of honour Lord Lieutenant, Dame Ingrid Mary Roscoe, DCVO, His Honour Judge Roger Thomas, Sir James Hill, Sir Gary Verity, The Bishops of West Yorkshire, The Lord Mayors of West Yorkshire and many others.
Kevin Sharp, Clerk to the West Yorkshire Lieutenancy commented on the day, saying:
“The Garden Party truly was a fantastic occasion and enjoyed immensely by all – we had sanguine expectations and it far surpassed them. The prime objective was to celebrate the Commonwealth and mark it with an event that welcomed all ages – it was a pleasure to see children enjoying the grounds with their faces painted! The food and entertainment were spectacular, as was the weather, and as always, Michael and his team at Bowcliffe provided sublime organisation skills. It was a particularly apt occasion during which to pay tribute to Lord Lieutenant Dame Ingrid Roscoe, who first entered the Lord Lieutenant office as Deputy in 1994, before becoming the first Lady Lord Lieutenant in the North of England in 2004. A presentation at The Commonwealth Garden Party seemed a fitting way to thank her for her dedication to the community before her retirement in late July. I’d like to thank everyone who came, entertained and fed us.”
The Bowcliffe South Lawn was centre stage for the day, hosting a wonderful array of multifarious acts including the spirited West Indian Steel band, colourful Bhangra Dancers (who caused a stir in their fabulous bright fuchsia pink outfits), the Opera North Youth Ensemble, Lucy Sherman of the Jewish Chanteuse who sang a beautiful rendition of the Frozen soundtrack, The New World Steel Orchestra and The Sheffield Pipe Band. Gastronomic delights were readily available, and guests were welcomed on a culinary trip around the Commonwealth, with delicious Indian canapés from the Aagrah Group, wood-fired pizzas, high teas and a selection of Kosher food provided by the Makor Jewish Community Centre & member of Etz Chaim Synagogue.
We simply couldn’t let the occasion slip by without sharing some of the pictures from the day and thanking some of the people who made it such a success.
A wonderful day with great food, entertainment and company! If you would like to enquire about holding your event in the magnificent Bowcliffe gardens or ground, or if you want to discuss hiring any of the inspiring spaces the Estate has to offer, simply get in touch with our events team on events@bowcliffehall.co.uk or call 01937 541111.
Photographs by and courtesy of Robert Ducker, Langlands Garden Centre.