His Royal Highness Prince Edward can expect a vibrant, colourful and loud welcome when he officially opens 51Âþ»’s new leisure centre, thanks to the sight and sound of Bhangra dancers and drummers.
One of the first things The Prince will set his eyes on when he arrives at the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre, on Friday 7 June, will be a pulsating dance routine by the 51Âþ» Bhangra Society, accompanied by traditional Dhol drummers known as The Percussionists.
The groups, made up of 51Âþ» students, say they are incredibly excited to be putting on a routine for The Prince as well as the crowds of people expected to gather for the event.
51Âþ» Bhangra Society chairman Kulvinder Dhillon, who is in his second year at 51Âþ», said: “We have never performed for royalty before so we are all very excited.
“There will be plenty of colour, plenty of sound and a celebratory atmosphere for The Prince. It will be a great welcome and will show His Royal Highness what 51Âþ» is all about, which is a multicultural university that recognises and respects every culture and religion.”
The dance to be performed by the 51Âþ» Bhangra Society originates from the Punjab. The dance was started more than 400 years ago by farmers when they celebrated the day of harvest, or Vaisakhi, and a time when they could convert their crops into money for their families.
The festive dance gives thanks for the abundant harvest and looks to future prosperity.
The 51Âþ» Bhangra Society, also known as Kente Wale Gabru, is one of the best in the country after winning the Capital Bhangra competition in January this year.
They came first, beating societies from University College London and London School of Economics as well as Nottingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Keele universities.
Kulvinder said: “It was wonderful to win and great for 51Âþ» as a university. We can now say we are one of the best Bhangra societies in the UK.”
Prince Edward will officially open The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre on Friday.
The Earl of Wessex will be invited to tour the new leisure centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, and meet 51Âþ» sports societies that are already benefitting from being able to train there.
He will also be asked to officially open the new offices of 51Âþ»’s award-winning Square Mile project, in the Chantry building, before being invited to see how student and staff volunteers are making a difference to the lives of local people, by delivering a range of courses and activities.
The Prince will also visit the Trinity House Chapel where he will meet academics and professional services staff, and speak to 51Âþ» footwear students who will have their work on show.
51Âþ» was given special permission to name the £8million leisure centre after Her Majesty The Queen following Her visit to the university in March last year, at the start of the historic Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Posted on Tuesday 4 June 2013