The Prešeren Evening celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the British-Slovene Society was a rip-roaring success, with a record turnout and a rousing concert by Vlado Kreslin, the Slovene folk singer/songwriter.

When guests saw that Vlado was coming back to London on 3rd February, two years after his first appearance with us, they knew what to expect. Last time, party-goers were dancing on tables until late into the night. So he barely had to strike up on his guitar for the conga-dancers to start rippling around the room again.

»Two years ago it was already great here with you,« said Vlado, »but this year was even better!«

The Slovenian Ambassador, HE Tadej Rupelj, made a presentation to the Society on behalf of the Slovenian Government to BSS Chairman David Lloyd and Keith Miles OBE, one of the founders back in 1993.

The tombola organised by BSS Trustee Catherine King raised over £700, more than ever before. The proceeds went to Barka, the Slovenian charity for people with special learning needs we have been supporting for many years. Two members of Barka (above) attended the evening at the invitation of the BSS.

The evening was hosted by BSS Trustee and singer Shirlie Roden.

Photos by Ian Božič

– Saturday 3rd February 2018. Drinks from 6.30 pm, dinner at 7.20 pm.

– Ambassadors Bloomsbury Hotel, 12 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0HX (undergrounds Euston, Euston Square, King’s Cross, Russell Square)

To mark our 25th anniversary, Vlado Kreslin, one of the greatest of Slovenia’s popular singers, will perform a concert for us after dinner.
And because it’s a special occasion, we are offering rates which are significantly lower than in recent years:
– Members £45, non-members £60, students and under-18s £29.
For that you will enjoy a drinks reception, a three-course dinner with wine, the concert with Vlado Kreslin and a tombola with all sorts of attractive prizes.

– Reserve your places now using the Application Form below. Space is limited, so it’s first come, first serve.
You should assume that paid-for places have been reserved unless you hear to the contrary. No tickets will be issued.
If you wish to make up your own party, please nominate a host who will book the table in his/her name. Please advise if you have any dietary requirements.
As in previous years, we are grateful to the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in London for donating Slovenian wine for the occasion.
Last year, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia granted the British-Slovene Society a subsidy, which is also much appreciated.

2018 Preseren Evening application form

Photo by Ian Božič, 2016

The BSS warmly invites you to our annual Carol Service on the 8th of December 2017, at 6:30 pm.

This is our regular festive get together which is held in the beautiful church of St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, Queen Victoria Street and St. Andrew’s Hill, City of London, EC4V 5DE.

The church, which was built by Sir Christopher Wren is a wonderful historic building and well worth a visit in its own right. Please come and join in our carol singing in English and Slovene.

Catch up with friends after the service as there will be potica (offered by the Society) and Christmas drinks (courtesy of the Embassy).

There is no charge but a collection is taken to support the work of the Barka charity in Slovenia.

Nearest underground Blackfriars. St Paul’s and Mansion House nearby.

There was a record turnout for the annual Oxford Picnic of the British-Slovene Society on Sunday 2^nd July. The sun shone, the grass around the Slovene kozolec (hay rack) was freshly mown, singers were in full throat and tempting tree trunks tested the climbing skills of youngsters.

Slovenian Ambassador Tadej Rupelj came down from London, and other participants travelled from as far as Wales, Manchester and southeast England. As usual, we gathered in the beautiful settings of the Oxford University Arboretum.

More pictures in Gallery.