The day began with a midday high level reception for 350 guests from across the political, diplomatic and press communities that was ingeniously interrupted with a flash mob rendition of the Ode to Joy by the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra (YMSO) youth orchestra and choir.

EUD

A wonderful way to celebrate the day and has surely marked Europe Day 2024 as one of the Delegation's most memorable days yet. A complete recording of the concert is available below.

Ode to Joy was followed by a rousing God Save the King and the speeches to mark the day began. The Ambassador was first to speak (see here) and welcomed the day's guests, and spoke to the robust health of EU-UK relations before passing on the podium to the reception's other key speakers; Chris Heaton Harris Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Europe Minister Nus Ghani (full video of the speeches).

EUD

EUD

The afternoon saw the doors open for over 140 secondary school students and members of the public for an “open day style” event led by the European Parliament Liaison office to the UK. The whole afternoon was taken up with a fantastic programme of quizzes, food stalls, music and live performances, a Photo Booth and even a photo moment with a drone!

EPLO

The day closed with a a final evening party for 300 guests, again led by the EPLO, in partnership with EUNIC and EU Member states embassies. 

EPLO

EPLO

The 9th of May events themselves were part of a much wider programme of events across the entire country that at its end will last one full month, including a short film festival in Glasgow and a Writers Festival in partnership with the British Library in London. All details can be found on our website and a comprehensive list of Europe Month events organised together with NGOs, civil society, universities, member state embassies, EUNIC and a multitude of other partners is available here.

Happy Europe Day everyone!