ASF Committee Thanks Volunteers In Post-Festival Meeting

On September 20, 2026, the Armenian Diocesan Centre hosted the annual festival catch-up meeting for the committee and volunteers of the Armenian Summer Festival 2026. Organised with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of the UK and Ireland, it was a gratifying evening of warm companionship and mutual appreciation for everyone’s hard work.

The guests enjoyed a free buffet of delicious homemade food and desserts, including Harissa donated by Tanya Kebabdjian of “Jakobs” and Anastasiia Shakhnazarian for the earlier Harissa Day celebrations. We also thank Vahik and Anna Hovnatanian for preparing the rest of the food, Nazik Andonian for baking and donating the large celebration cake, and Vera Harland for donating the blueberry cake.

The dinner was followed by the traditional handing out of signed volunteer certificates, distributed by chairman Bedros Aslanyan and food committee leader Rita Barseghian to everyone present.

Toward the end of the evening, Bishop Hovakim delivered a heartfelt speech expressing deep gratitude to all the committee members, volunteers, and everyone whose efforts, dedication, or generous contributions made this year’s festival such a resounding success.

His Grace further highlighted the festival’s significance as the Diocese’s largest annual community event and fundraiser. He noted it is only made possible with the full and selfless commitment of everyone willing to undertake such a heavy workload, which starts months in advance of the festival day itself.

The meeting concluded with a fun lesson in Kochari (Armenian group dancing) by the talented Mari Petrusian, who is soon set to lead regular dance workshops at the Diocesan Centre. Keep in touch with our news and socials for more information on that programme very soon.

While some guests unfortunately could not make it due to other obligations or Sunday’s limited public transport, we warmly thank and acknowledge them just the same. We hope you have enjoyed helping bring the Armenian Summer Festival 2026 to life, and look forward to seeing you again next year!

Remember! Next year’s Armenian Summer Festival will take place on June 27th, 2027. Save the date, and remember that our fundraiser remains permanently open!