Quintessentially Kazakh
With sweeping views of the twinkling lights of London as a backdrop, diplomats, parliamentarians, artists and businesspeople joined Kazakh Ambassador Erlan Idrissov in the Millbank Tower to raise a glass of vodka to Kazakhstan’s Independence Day.
Living up to his reputation for legendary hospitality, the Ambassador encouraged everyone to enjoy a Kazakh feast of lamb, and plov, caviar and even Kazakh haggis.
With the accent on culture, the guest of honour Sir Ciaran Devane, CEO of the British Council, told guests of the blossoming cultural and educational links between Britain and Kazakhstan after which Kazakh child prodigy and star of Junior Eurovision Yerzhan Maxim raised the roof with a jaw-dropping performance of Armanyńnan Qalma.
And being the festive season, guests departed with a sarqyt, a Kazakh goodie bag with presents including the famous wild Aport apples, known to be the mother of all apples.