Published: 14 January, 2008, 06:45
Edited: 14 January, 2008, 06:45
It has become an annual invasion. In early January Russians flock to the British capital for the winter festival. The Russian community in London take over the city centre to host a street party. It's a chance for them to show off the best in their home c
Festival organisers say it's the biggest celebration of Russian culture outside the country. For the fourth straight year, Londoners have been given the chance to experience authentic traditional Russian music, dancing and food.
The event was launched by the supermodel Natalya Vodyanova, who now lives in London. She was helped by more that 200,000 other Russian expats.
“I'm here to represent my country, because it is the Russian Winter Festival in London and it's going to happen on Trafalgar Square. It is a beautiful event that has been happening for four years now,” Vodyanova said.
She explained that she got involved because it is a wonderful opportunity for people from all over the world, as well as Russians in London, to enjoy Russian food and music and also see how welcoming Russian people are.
Festival organiser Sergey Kolushev says the event is not just about entertainment. The aim is also to forge stronger international links.
“London has always been a very important place for Russians. There is a large Russian community here and also a lot of business done between the two countries,” Kolushev said.
He said that Russia was developing rapidly economically and culturally, and wanted to introduce both its historic and modern side to as wide an audience as possible.