Brent Council celebrates 10th anniversary of citizenship ceremonies
New citizens celebrated the tenth anniversary of the first ever citizenship ceremony in Britain held in the borough - Credit: Archant
Town hall bosses marked the 10th anniversary of the first ever citizenship ceremony in Britain by hosting a special ceremony.
Cllr Bobby Thomas, Brent Mayor, Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, and Cllr Allan Kaufmann, Mayor of Hillingdon - Credit: Archant
The anniversary event was held ten years to the day of the first British residency ceremony on February 26, 2004, which was attended by HRH Prince Charles.
Brent Council has welcomed more than 40,000 new citizens, hosting more than 1,550 ceremonies since its conception over the past decade.
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett, who introduced the ceremonies to the UK, sent a speech which was recited in front of a host of new citizens from 16 countries including Japan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, India, Iran and Columbia.
Performances by local steel band the St Michael’s Youth Project and Bollywood dancers -trained by local choreographer Binal Trivedy from Encee Academy- highlighted the patriotic festivities.
Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “These are people who have already made a substantial emotional and financial commitment to the UK and for them this is a life defining event at the end of an often challenging journey.
“In Brent we draw strength from the diversity and vibrancy of our communities.
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“Through this anniversary celebration, we are recognising the remarkable contribution of new citizens to our borough and to our country and demonstrating what’s exceptional about modern day Britain.”
