On Wednesday 26th August, The B3CF hosted its Annual Garden Party at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Helsinki. Each year, our members and partners gather for this wonderful occasion for an end of summer celebration in one of the most beautiful gardens in Helsinki.
This year’s Garden Party was inevitably different under the unusual circumstances of the global pandemic. Nonetheless, we were very happy to welcome nearly 120 guests in our grand gesture of thanks for the continued partnerships to our members, partners, sponsors, diplomats and their guests. Due to the current restrictions, we were very diligent in taking the right steps in making sure our guests not only had an amazing afternoon, but also enjoyed it in a safe environment.
Before the official event, B3CF Patron members and sponsors of the event gathered for an exclusive VIP Afternoon Tea reception hosted by Her Majesty's Ambassador Mr. Tom Dodd. The Ambassador elaborated on some fascinating and interesting historical facts and cultural aspects of the Residence as it relates to Finland and the British Royal Family.
After the reception, the Ambassador welcomed all other guests into the Residence. Once assembled in the sun-drenched garden, guests were delighted to hear speeches from the Ambassador and the B3CF Chairman Mr. Garry Parker, accompanied by South African Ambassador H.E. Ms. Carmen Smidt and Canadian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jason Tolland.
Performers included drum sergeant, Manne Laukkanen, and Eevastiina Korri from Helsinki Pipes and Drums, who opened the ceremony with a captivating Scottish bagpipe performance while we greeted our guests.
Stephen Webb later delighted guests with an amazing classic blues and light jazz performance, followed by a selection of contemporary sounds, a great rendition of Elvis Presley’s classic hits and some of his original sounds. Towards the end of the event, our special guest, Catharina Zühlke graced the crowd with a beautiful impromptu performance.
The programme included a showcase of Bentley Bentayga Hybrid and Continental GT motors on display, a Svenska Klubben stand, serving traditional Swedish toast skagen, and a Cigar Corner, courtesy of J. Cortès and Rick Collins. Also on display were Westerback and Tillander’s top collection of Jewellery and watches, showcased by well-known celebrities and models Catharina Zühlke and Marko Björs along with the B3CF’s executives showcasing the Breitling and Raymond Weil watch collections as they interacted with our esteemed guests.
In the garden, guests enjoyed South African wine by Altia, summer cocktails with Fever Tree mixers by Edrington and delicious hors d'oeuvres by the Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki.
Finally, the raffle wrapped up the afternoon. Prizes included a classic piece of Jewellery from Tillander, special Gift Cards from Westerback, Hard Rock Cafe, Pohjois-Hämeen Ampujat, Taxi Helsinki, some exclusive and limited edition items from Moomin Characters Ltd., a bottle of Highland Park Single Malt Whisky from Edrington, Sustainable Bottles from EANA and a Test Drive of The Bentley Continental GT. The evening ended with our guests being chauffeured from the Ambassador's residence by Taxi Helsinki to the Hard Rock Café, where they enjoyed the rest of the evening.
We would like to extend a very special thanks to all Ambassadors, guests of honour, performers, sponsors and suppliers: Hard Rock Cafe, A. Tillander, Westerback, Edrington, Dayton/Fever Tree, Bentley Suomi, Svenska Klubben, Altia, Pohjois-Hämeen Ampujat, Taxi Helsinki, J. Cortès and Taitokaari. Most importantly we are thankful and gracious to HMA Ambassador Tom Dodd and the residence manager Ms. Melanie Loughney and her team for hosting another wonderful B3CF Garden Party.
This event, like all B3CF events, was held in celebration of our Chamber, and the friendships shared between all our members, partners and friends. We want to thank you all for attending and wish you a great start to a new season of commerce.
Click any picture to see the whole gallery for the event.
