Dazzling Evening Entertainment in De Kuressaare
The Sports Centre was the venue for all the meals served to the participants throughout the Conference. You really needed a room as large as this to provide space for the 700-odd participants. And we should mention that the organisers had taken particular care to give a ‘soul’ to the premises by providing beautifully laid tables.
Two of the evening events were particularly outstanding. First there was the evening of Friday October 17th, with traditional Estonian cuisine and the staging, in the course of the feast, of a traditional Estonian wedding with the participation of two folklore acting groups from Kärla and Taritu, as well as the Oieti and Piiprellid dance troupe (who had already shown their skills at the opening ceremony), directed by Lea Kuldsepp and Urmas Lehtsalu; the musical accompaniment was provided by the Värksepad folk musicians. It was a highly colourful show which represented the rituals involved in a wedding on the island of Saaremaa. Many of the conference participants made an active contribution to the show, so delighted were they at such an unexpected delight in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. 
Then finally there was the gala evening on Saturday October 18th, following the prize-giving ceremony. And once again the organisers had worked wonders. The proceedings were presided over by Mrs Mailis Reps, vice-president of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, and a former Minister of Education. Following an apéritif of sparkling chardonnay, the restaurant brigade of students in black and white uniforms entered the hall to loud and well-deserved applause, and served a festive menu at each table. The atmosphere was as joyful as you would expect at such an event, and when the first participants had to resign themselves to leaving the Sports Centre because their transfers to Tallinn airport were waiting, the moment had come to say ‘goodbye’ and see you next year in Dubrovnik!
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| The enormous dining hall with its beautifully laid tables awaiting the guests |
the apéritif, a sparkling chardonnay is served! |
part of the magnificent service team composed of students
