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Eurobeat – the Pride of Europe is a faux Eurovision Song Contest set in the microstate of Liechtenstein in the heart of the Western European Alps. It is hosted by the glamorous Marlene Cabana who is a cultural icon, or at least imagines she is, in her homeland.
The competition has ended up in Liechtenstein by accident by it doesn’t stop them embracing the competition with great enthusiasm. All the things we love about the real Eurovision have been highlighted and amped up as we poke fun at cultural stereotypes and elements of Eurovision that have become legendary – key changes, over the top and sometimes mystifying songs and costumes reveals. Marlene steers the audience through the ten entries of the competition and at the end of act one the audience is instructed to vote on their favourite. These votes are tabulated during interval and genuinely reflect the audiences wishes so the outcomes is unknown until the votes are counted.
Returning in Act two we are greeted firstly by an upbeat ensemble number to welcome everyone back to the proceedings and then treated to a special performance by Marlene. After that Bjorn Bjornson, the master of protocols, joins her and together they count down the votes until the winner is revealed. The winners then return to the stage to perform for the audience their winning number. A glittering finale brings the entire company back on stage for bows.
We will be having our world-renowned Raffle stall at this year’s Gordon Castle Highland Games🎟️
The 2025 Gordon Castle Highland Games will be held on Sunday 18th May from 10am - 5pm. From the Highland Games events to the Country Sports arena, local trade stands and food galore, Gordon Castle Highland Games is a day out for all the family.
HISTORY OF THE GAMES
By the early Twentieth Century the Gordon Castle Highland Games had become a hugely popular annual event regularly attracting crowds of over 30,000. Thanks to the patronage and great enthusiasm of the then Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon the Games became renowned throughout Scotland, playing host to many famous competitors, including heavy champion George Clark of Banffshire. By the late 1920s the Gordon Castle Highland Games had become synonymous with world record breaking escapades in the heavy events and was an unmissable fixture in the Highland Games calendar.
In keeping with the fate of many of Scotland’s ancestral estates, by the 1930’s crippling death duties had forced the sale of Gordon Castle and the Games seemed destined to become nothing more than a long lost memory. Salvation came after the Second World War when Lieutenant General Sir George Gordon Lennox, grandson of the 7th Duke of Richmond, brought back the Castle and began its renaissance from crumbling mansion into the more modest, if equally beautiful, family home you see today.
In 1976, to celebrate the bicentenary of the local village of Fochabers, Sir George and his wife staged a special one-off highland games in the grounds of Gordon Castle. A good thirty years later one of the participants of that event, the legendary heavy eventer Hamish Davidson, approached the current laird with a proposal to resurrect the annual games. Angus Gordon Lennox was taken by the romance of the idea and in 2011 the first Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair took place. We are glad to record that it has been an annual event ever since.
We will be having our world-renowned Raffle stall at this year’s Hopeman Gala on Saturday, July 26th, 2025. 🎟️
EVENTS STILL TO BE CONFIRMED
(BUT HERES LAST YEARS FOR AN IDEA)
Hopeman Gala is a week-long celebration that brings together residents and visitors alike. Held each July, it’s a magnet for those seeking entertainment, fun, and community spirit. Here’s what you can expect during this vibrant event:
Fancy Dress Parade: Kick off the festivities with a colorful and creative parade! Participants of all ages dress up in imaginative costumes, and the streets of Hopeman come alive with excitement. 🎭🌟
Harbour Night Coffee Morning: Enjoy a delightful morning by the harbor. Sip on freshly brewed coffee, savor delicious pastries, and take in the picturesque views of the sea. ☕🌊
Crowning of the Gala Queen and Princess: Witness the crowning ceremony as the Gala Queen and Princess are honored. Their regal presence adds a touch of elegance to the event. 👑🌸
Songs of Praise: Gather at the local church for a heartwarming Songs of Praise session. The community comes together to celebrate unity, faith, and joy through music. 🎶🙏
Model Trains: If you’re a train enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! Explore intricate model train displays, complete with miniature landscapes and charming locomotives. 🚂🌄
Karate Demonstrations: Martial arts enthusiasts can watch captivating karate demonstrations. Marvel at the precision, discipline, and skill of the practitioners. 🥋💪
The Gala Fete and Disco on Saturday evening will be the grand finale—a lively celebration with music, dancing, and laughter. It’s a chance to mingle, make memories, and embrace the community spirit that defines Hopeman. 🎊🕺💃
Remember to mark your calendar for Hopeman Gala 2025 and join us for a week of festivities, camaraderie, and seaside charm! 🌟🌊🎆123
Feel free to explore the events, participate in the activities, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hopeman! 🌞🎈