The Queen's Birthday Party 2019 in Bulgaria
The annual celebration, held on 6 June 2019, invited guests to celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Bulgaria.
HMA Emma Hopkins speaking at the event.
This year, the Queen’s Birthday Party was held under the theme “140 Years of Diplomatic Relations” and celebrated the historic nature of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Bulgaria. The event showcased UK excellence in the areas of theatre and music, film, football, as well as a special exhibition to celebrate the anniversary. The event was kindly sponsored by UK business leaders Deloitte, Manchester Airports Group, Moto-Pfohe, Petroceltic, CertAsig Insurance, Future Health Biobank and CMS Cameron McKenna.
Emma Hopkins OBE, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, addressed the audience and spoke about the friendship between the UK and Bulgaria, about the shared values and objectives between the two countries, and about British excellence in the areas of the event. Her speech can be found below:
Good evening, dear Vice President, colleagues, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to our National Day – celebrating our Queen’s 93rd Birthday. Thank you for joining us on this occasion.
Our theme this year is celebrating 140 years of bilateral relations between the UK and Bulgaria. We are incredibly proud that our relationship is built on mutual respect and friendship.
Tonight we have chosen to highlight four things that demonstrate contemporary British culture, our rich heritage, and our friendship with Bulgaria.
Firstly, theatre and music. The UK is renowned for its creative arts and culture. Classic musicals like “My Fair lady” and “Mary Poppins” are emblematic. Globally British music remains the soundtrack to modern life, with artists such as Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa.
Tonight we have created our very own West End stage with performances that capture this creative energy. After my speech, more dance performances will follow. They represent the variety that British music offers – from classics to contemporary.
Secondly, football. The UK is hosting the Euro 2020 finals. England and Bulgaria will be playing together later this year, both in Sofia and at Wembley Stadium. To get you in the mood we have a football-themed quiz in our British pub, with the chance to win some football related prizes.
Thirdly, film. Tonight you can pose on our red carpet, and appear alongside some well known British characters from the world of film and television. Following your cinematic debut, visit the James Bond bar for a shaken, but not stirred martini, or try our very special cocktail “140 Years”. A perfect blend of British gin and Bulgarian roses.
And finally, our 140 Years Exhibition. To mark the occasion we have curated a special exhibition, looking at all aspects of our relationship with Bulgaria over the last 140 years.
The 140 years anniversary is a good moment to reflect on our shared past, how we are working together now, and the opportunities for the future. And whether the UK are in or out of the EU, I know we will remain close friends.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Bulgarian friends and partners in helping us prepare for our eventual departure. In particular the various Bulgarian Ministries for providing certainty to our British Nationals living here during what has been uncertain times.
Throughout the year, UK and Bulgaria have continued to work closely together in a range of areas, including in defence, counter terrorism, countering organised crime, migration, judicial reform and supporting the strategic communications. Our bilateral trade has grown by 50% over the past ten years.
My personal highlight this year was the Ambassador for a Day competition, which we ran in partnership with Vice President Iotova, and many diplomatic colleagues. The competition continues to grow and to inspire confidence in young women across Bulgaria.
I would also like to thank the companies who have generously sponsored tonight’s event – Manchester Airport Group, Deloitte, Petroceltic, Moto-Pfohe, Future Health Biobank, Cert Asig Insurance and CMS Cameron McKenna.
Now I ask you to be upstanding and to join me in a toast to celebrate our Queen.