Enfield’s Donkey Lane to host 3rd Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival in June 2019

The Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in Britain (CTCA UK) have announced details of the third edition of the Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival. The  event returns to the spacious Donkey Lane playing fields in North London, which will take place on Sunday 30 June 2019. The family-orientated annual event reached its 15,000 capacity in 2018, selling out of advance tickets and on-the-day allocation as the Turkish community and local residents flocked to the event, which happened to fall on Father’s Day. Among keynote guests to attend were Turkish Ambassador Abdurrahman Bilgiç, TRNC Consul General Ülkü Alemdar, Enfield Council Leader Nesil Çalışkan and Enfield Mayor Saray Karakuş, pro-TRNC Lord Sheikh, MPs Joan Ryan and Iain Duncan Smith, who called for “direct flights between North Cyprus and Britain” in a short speech he gave at the event, and TV personality Kem Cetinay.

Pop star Eylem performs at 2nd Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival, 17 June 2018. Photo © Olgun Sadik/CTCA UK

  British Turkish pop star Eylem headlined the festival, her lively set getting visitors of all ages dancing. North Cyprus’ veteran rockers SOS, who played at the inaugural event at Chingford Rugby Club in 2017, returned for another memorable set. Internationally famed Turkish Cypriot dancer Ozgen was another of 2018’s highlights. There was a funfair and donkey rides for children, as well as traditional handicrafts and a delicious array of Turkish Cypriot food and drink on sale. CTCA promises an even bigger line-up and more onsite activities for 2019:

TV personality Kem Cetinay (lower centre) poses with one of the fold dance troupes at 2nd Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival, 17 June 2018. Photo © Olgun Sadik/CTCA UK

  “We are looking forward to organising an even bigger festival, with more entertainment and opportunities for visitors to learn about our amazing Turkish Cypriot culture and heritage,” said CTCA chairwoman Leyla Kemal. 

Festival Details

Title: 3^rd Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival Date: Sunday 30 June 2019 Times: 11am to 8pm Venue: Enfield Playing Fields, Donkey Lane, Enfield, EN1 3PL Admission: £2 + booking fee per person, £5 + bf per car (all day on site parking), kids under 5 go free. Buy tickets online from Eventbrite

Huseyin hoca & Arife Retvan at 2nd Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival, 17 June 2018. Photo © Olgun Sadik/CTCA UK

  Article updated with date and admission details on 28 May 2019