A Newroz reception was hosted by Hackney Council, which is a district in London with a large Kurdish population.

The reception, held at the municipal building in partnership with the Kurdish and Turkish Community Center, was attended by Hackney Council Leader Caroline Woodley, Mayor Heila Suso-Rung, and the UK’s first Kurdish female Minister for Technology, Feryal Clark Demirci, along with businesspeople and numerous members of the Kurdish Community Center.

At the reception, in which Kurdish women and youth attended in traditional Kurdish attire, participants were served traditional Kurdish dishes.

The speeches at the reception highlighted the importance of Newroz in Kurdish history. It was noted that by celebrating Newroz in London, the Kurdish people uphold their identity and culture. Additionally, speakers highlighted that this celebration reflects the Kurdish people's commitment to freedom and their peaceful character.

Mayor Heila Suso-Rung stated that Newroz symbolizes the arrival of spring and a 'new day' emphasizing that the Kurdish people celebrate this day as a day of freedom and hope.

Suso-Rung stated that Newroz is an integral part of Kurdish culture and history, emphasizing that the Kurdish people celebrate it within the framework of their struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights.

Suso-Rung highlighted that the Kurdish community in Hackney holds a significant place in terms of their contributions and cultural presence. She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the Newroz reception.

Newroz is more than just a ‘celebration’

Heval Mila, speaking on behalf of the Kurdish People's Assembly, stated that Newroz is not only the arrival of spring but also a festival of renewal, resistance, and hope. He emphasized that it symbolizes the unshakable spirit of communities that have stood shoulder to shoulder against hardships for centuries.

Mila said, "Newroz is not merely a 'celebration.' It is a powerful reminder of solidarity, unity, and the collective struggle for a better future."

Clark Demirci: We are preserving our identity

UK Minister for Technology, Feryal Clark Demirci, said that her family moved to Hackney, London, as a Kurdish family 40 years ago and that despite the great challenges Kurds have faced, they have preserved their language and identity and are now celebrating Newroz.

Demirci emphasized the significance of celebrating Newroz as hosted by Hackney Council and expressed her gratitude to those who organized the reception, particularly acknowledging Hackney Council Leader Caroline Woodley.

Caroline Woodley, in turn, expressed her pride in having organized the Newroz reception alongside the Kurdish community, highlighting the social, cultural, and economic contributions Kurds have made to the city.

Suna Alan ignites the spirit of Newroz with her songs

At the reception, artist Suna Alan took the stage, performing Newroz songs and reflecting on how these songs tell the story of struggle and liberation in the Kurdish experience. As her passionate Newroz melodies filled the room, Kurds and their allies held hands and danced halay, singing along in a shared moment of unity and celebration.