London Greek Radio held its Christmas Dinner & Dance on the first weekend of December, which was attended by dozens from the Greek Cypriot community and beyond.
With the emphasis on community, LGR management, staff and presenters integrated with listeners, family and friends at the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green to a full-house compliment.
As the evening began, a blessing was carried out by the Reverend Father Andreas Hadjisavvi, in the presence of the Reverend Father Iosif Paliouras, before the Nostalgia Greek Band took to the stage, to warm-up the already excited attendees anxiously waiting for Greek-singing legend Giorgos Gerolymatos.
Mr Gerolymatos was one of the most famous performers of the “New Wave” period of Greek music in the 70s, 80s and 90s. He worked with other leading Greek performers such as Parios, Marinella, Voskopoulos, Dionisiou, Doukissa, Moscholiou, Sakellariou, Gavalas, Angelopoulos and many more. He also participated in many Greek films.
During the one-night only exclusive performance, he performed a selection of his own charming classics to the eagerly-awaited patrons, before moving flawlessly to traditional Greek Laika, quickly filling the dance floor.
Long-standing LGR host Vasilis Panayi reflected on the radio station’s historic role in 35 years of broadcasting to London and beyond; then, in a unique never-before exposition, he presented five Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The Award Trophies were presented to those, who in LGR’s history, contributed significantly to charity and to the station.
A surprise award was presented to LGR’s Managing Director John Kyriakides, during which, Mr Panayi fought back tears as he spoke about Mr Kyriakides continued unflinching commitment and support to the station and its listening communities.
The evening’s charming hosts Andrea Yerolemou and Yiannis Ioannou entertained those present and the evening concluded with the prize draw of the LGR Christmas Raffle, which included the top prize of a flight to Cyprus, courtesy of Cobalt Aero. Several other prizes were also presented to winners of the draw, with thanks from Commeris the Mediterranean food experts and Cocorico Italian Restaurant, as well as others.
The management and staff of LGR were grateful to the event’s sponsors, who made the evening possible; Caspian Lounge Sandwich Bar in North Finchley, Commeris UK Ltd the Mediterranean food experts, Panorama Greek Restaurant in Whetstone, S.Aspris & Son, Simon Fisher, and Taste of Cyprus Patisserie in Palmers Green.
LGR’s Managing Director, John Kyriakides said, “It was a really lovely evening and everyone enjoyed themselves, eating, dancing and socialising.”
He added, “I really didn’t expect the award. It’s an absolute pleasure and a privilege to serve our communities through the medium of radio.”
Other Lifetime Achievement Award-winners on the night were; Maria Spyrou, who presented a show on LGR for over 25 years, providing advice to listeners on social benefits, as well as years of service to the Citizens Advice Bureau in Haringey; Former LGR Manager Kyriacos Tsioupras and his partner Pola Tsioupra for several years of service to LGR and the community; Former LGR News Editor Tasos Zachariades, who provided detailed and relevant up-to-date news to LGR’s communities for several years.
