“Bigger and better” – that is the promise for Peace and Freedom Day this month. Adrenaline-packed action events, the biggest yet Dawn Vigil and a British Residents Society (BRS) boat trip “with a difference” are expected to be in stark contrast to last year’s scaled-down celebrations following the failed July 15 coup attempt in Turkey.
At midnight on Wednesday July 19, several thousand people bearing torches will descend to the beach at Alsancak’s Escape venue for a silent vigil to commemorate the landing of Turkish troops there in 1974.
Fevzi Tanpınar of the event’s organising committee, told Cyprus Today there were plans for musical entertainment before the vigil and a firework display when it ends, but details were still being worked on.
“This year will be the biggest dawn vigil ever to allow all Turkish Cypriots to reflect on the importance of the military operation which brought peace to Cyprus,” he said.
July 20 itself will see the Turkish Stars aerobatic team of the Turkish Air force in breathtaking action once again during a 30 minute display in the skies over Girne while traditional military parades will be held across the country. Exact timings will be announced nearer the date.
Meanwhile, BRS events organiser Tina King said plans were well advanced for a Peace and Freedom Day boat trip “with a difference”. She said members and non-members could reserve a table on the Princess 2 boat which will set sail om Girne’s old harbour at returning at 1pm returning at 7pm after a voyage west to Escape Beach and a buffet lunch, in time to see the Turkish Stars aerial performance.
The trip costs 140TL for BRS members and 180TL for non-members. “I advise anyone who is interested in joining us to book quickly to avoid disappointment as places are filling up fast,” added Mrs King, who can be contacted on 0533 855 5699 or by email at brseventsorganiser@gmail.com.
By Kerem Hasan for Cyprus Today
