This popular fixture in the expat social calendar once again went the extra mile to give guests an extraordinary evening of fun while raising funds for worthy charities last Saturday.

Thanks All Involved: HUF 4 Million Rocketed to Local Good Causes

Event highlights included a virtual bonfire and pyrotechnics display, a fire-cracking live band, dazzling dance performances and sparkling charity auctions at this first-class venue.

Plus there was a blazing DJ set, a fab fireworks foto wall, an explosive drag show, a wine tasting contest and other fiery games to keep guests entertained throughout the action-packed party.

* See Virtuoso Xpat Party Photos by Marko Novkov here

* Brilliant Bonfire Night Party Pictures by Árpád Bakcsy here

* Super Action Snaps are here by Marcus Schirrmacher-Gavallér

* Amazing Event Portraits by PartyBooth.hu's John Galvin are here

* See Fun Shots by Samsung here of Fab Xpats at Fundraising Party

Radiant Celebration of Entertainment, Social Networking & Giving Back

The gala attracted a great group of guests from Budapest’s cosmopolitan community to this Bonfire Night themed celebration marking the birthday of Hungary's leading expat portal.

Juwan Woods of the US Embassy in Budapest said, "It was a true pleasure to attend this year’s Bonfire Night event and partake in the festivities alongside a robust expat community.

XpatLoop.com brought together an amazing group to support great causes, and I was happy to be a part of it. Congrats to XpatLoop on hitting its 24 year anniversary, here’s to 24 more!".



Well-known returning charities Hungarian Red Cross and UNICEF Hungary were in the spotlight to raise awareness and funds for their inspiring work performed locally.

A new charity featured this year was Bátor Tábor, which provides life-changing experiences to seriously ill kids, and they engaged with guests well via a big wheel game and colourfully display.

Afterwards, Andrea Szabó from the Foundation said, "It was a great pleasure to be at Bonfire Night event, I could meet and talk to some amazing people".



"It was so nice to see the willingness of guests to support social causes in Hungary. As a result, I am already in touch with potential new supporters and donors, thanks a lot for everything!" added the Fundraising Director of this highly respected Hungarian Foundation.

Sparkling First Impressions: Red Carpet, Bubbles & Canapés

Upon arrival guests had the opportunity to pose on a red carpet for a printed photo gift courtesy of Party Booth - which got attendees engaged from the start in a fun-filled way.



Then, with glamour recorded, sparkling welcome drinks led to bubbling conversations during the meet-and-greet reception as guests networked and socialised.

Happy Gathering of Hearts & Minds from Around the World

As always, there were a multitude of introductions, happy reunions, and commercial contacts made among attendees.



Once more a great mix of people from Hungary’s business, cultural, educational, diplomatic, philanthropic - and also spiritual - circles were in attendance.

Among others, the Rev. John D. Wilson of Saint Margaret’s Anglican Episcopal Church in Budapest attended again.

Also, as a member of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, The Hungarian Red Cross were warmly welcomed back to speak with guests about the various activities this esteemed charity performs in Hungary.



Piroska Hugyecz, Hungarian Red Cross’s Head of Resource Mobilization, posted on LinkedIn:

"We are grateful for the openness of party participants to learn more about us and offer their support. Thank you XpatLoop for the kind invitation to be present again at this wonderful event!"

While enjoying live pop tunes by Fruzsi in the foyer, guests could get shot in front of fireworks at the Big Ben Photo Wall thanks to Platinum sponsor Samsung
- see fun photo wall pics here.



Attendees were invited to challenge their taste buds in a wine tasting contest to win prizes from Bortodoor, and try their luck at roulette and blackjack for fun (not money) with Las Vegas Casino.



Elegant canapés were served by the chef and his team from the new AGOS Fine Dining Restaurant, nibbles were kindly provided again by Kifli.hu, and there were multiple varieties of luxury savoury pogácsa (scones) from returning food partner A Házipék.



Guests also had the opportunity to taste a single malt or 12 from WhiskyNet - expertly presented by spirits guru Dez O'Connell - and to sip on an alcohol-free lavender frizzante by Tamas Winery.

Attendees then enthusiatically made their way into Marriott’s Grand Ballroom and checked-out the terrace as DJ Tony played a 'Welcome to the Pleasuredome' set of top tracks.



Given the amazing Buda Castle panorama, and the ballroom's tremendous terrace which this event gloriously showcased, Marriott demonstrated to guests why it's a top venue in the capital for this type of gala party.



Lighting Up Bonfire Night with Dazzling Dance Shows

With guests gathered with anticipation in the ballroom, master of ceremonies Henry Scullion welcomed everyone and the event kicked-off with a dazzling show by Eleven Dance Group.



After that show event organiser Stephen Linfitt said on stage that the gala featured dance right from the start to fire up the party atmosphere even higher this year.

He humbly yet warmly thanked the venue, sponsors, partners and guests for joining-in, then also paid credit to key 'behind-the-scenes' people associated with the event's continued success.

In his speech Matthew Kirlew, the Head of Policy at the UK Embassy, introduced the British theme and all the charities involved, then he ceremonially set light to the massive virtual bonfire.

Afterwards he said, “It was a real pleasure to attend this event, and once again take part in lighting the bonfire and then the fireworks.

I was happy to see the expat community come together, and in support of very deserving causes too. Congrats to XpatLoop.com on hitting your 24-year anniversary and for a fantastic event!”.



Next on stage, Viola Szlankó spoke about the work of  UNICEF, and then received a symbolic bouquet of flowers on behalf of all the charities involved from key supporters of the event.

Bonfire Spirit in Budapest: Celebrating a British Tradition

As is the tradition, Bonfire Night festivities take place on the nearest Saturday to 5 November each year, when firework parties light up the night across the UK - and in many countries around the world.



It’s a celebration of the foiling of a plot in 1605 involving Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. Paul Fox, the British Ambassador to Hungary, had wanted to attend this party again but unfortunately needed to be in London himself.

With the bonfire burning bright thanks to returning event partner Special Effects, MC Henry transformed into Guy Fawkes to perform a traditional Bonfire Night rhyme in fine style - for which he received a great round of applause, and some surprised looks from event newcomers.



Gathering of Goodwill: Xpat Community & Local Charities United

Together with TV celebrity Zsuzsa Demcsák - who joyfully came again with her trademark energy, professionalism and good sense of humour - MC Henry lead the evening’s key charity element: the Live Auction.



Wonderful star prizes were donated again by Aston Martin Budapest and Dr Rose Private Hospital, with representatives of each joining in to present their gifts on stage.



Other generous givers participated in the auction action this year, such as Kimpton BEM Budapest Hotel, and a friendly bidding battle ensued for a stay there in the Presidential Suite.



Returning guest Ken White hyped up the atmosphere further when he presented an ‘Iconic’ artwork of Liam Gallagher from Gallery Privé, when he suggested a starting bid of HUF 50,000 for this unique item officially valued at HUF 1.600,000.



Bidding for Charity Around the Bonfire

This year one of the start prizes in the Silent Auction was a family stay at 5* Mövenpick BalaLand Resort Lake Balaton, and this element of the evening was innovatively presented electronically via tablets on all gala tables – a nice new touch arranged with the support of RentIT.



More valuable auction prizes were donated by the Indonesian Embassy Budapest, Budapest Marriott, Matild Palace Budapest, Anantara New York Palace, Hilton Budapest, Catherine's Cottages, Fitness & Health Club by Marriott and the Thermál Hotel Visegrád.

There were so many other kind auction prize supporters that the space here isn’t sufficient to name them all, yet all are greatly appreciated by the organisers, charities and prize winners - follow this link to see the full list.

Raffle prizes featured a great range of items again, like a stay at Brody House, with tickets sold and money collected all evening by the UNICEF team.



MC Henry said, “I was moved to see Budapest's international community come together with such warmth and generosity. We proved that the best way to raise money for charity is by having a brilliant time doing it - partying with purpose!”

Bright Bonfire Night Sponsors: Essential Support Greatly Appreciated

More organisations involved with improving the lives of children also participated, including The British International School Budapest as Gold Sponsor of the event.

BISB is part of the Nord Anglia family of premium international schools which champion the rights of the child as well as embedding UN Sustainable Development Goals.



“We very much enjoyed the Bonfire Night party! It was a fantastic, relaxed opportunity to connect with friends, enjoy some wonderful food and beverages, and raise money for worthwhile causes. Thank you to XpatLoop for organizing,” said Benjamin Turner the BISB Principal.

The Britannica International School, Budapest the longest-established British school in Budapest, supported the event as the much appreciated Silver Sponsor, with Principal Neil McGarry joining again as a long-term loyal partner of this annual event.



Bukovszki Beáta attended on behalf of Aston Martin Budapest as a returning Bronze Sponsor, and she beautifully presented a ‘priceless prize’ as part of the live charity auction.



This year Dorottya Ilyés joined in for the first time as a Bronze Sponsor, together with her super sister they showcased women’s fashion store SÉYLI Boutique.

Global Delicacies Galore to Satisfy Every Guest's Taste

As the awesome party band played live music, guests tucked into a wide range of international delicacies, both in the ballroom and out of the terrace where there was heartwarming gulyás cooked up by AGOS Restaurant from Kimpton BEM Budapest.



Hospitality professional Viktoria Berenyi from this new 5* hotel in Buda came along to the party with her partner for the first time and said, “We had a fantastic time, congratulations on such a well-organized event!”.



Outside as well there was freshly grilled Lebanese style grilled meat skewers served by ARZ Restaurant - which were very popular again, as was the head chef’s friendly style - and that BBQ station along with the many terrace heaters courtesy of Red4 kept guests warm and content.

A nice new touch out there this year was hot mulled grape juice by Heiszler Etyek. Guests seemed enchanted as they sipped spiced pinot noir flavours while savouring the views over Budapest's majestic skyline.



As always on the terrace there was a great range of international salads and British fare from Tesco, freshly-grilled halloumi-style cheese from Hajdúsajt, plus this year guests could also enjoy authentic Thai street food from Im-Oon Restaurant.



Inside the ballroom guests loved the Italian favourites served by the friendly chefs from Trattoria Toscana, and new this year were premium burgers by Zing.



As usual there were tasty Chinese treats from Wan Hao Restaurant, and lovely lamb rice with dips and more by Leila’s Authentic Lebanese Restaurant.



Very welcome additions this year were Majorelle serving fabulous Moroccan dishes, and a gorgeous selection of Japanese maki from Sushi Sei.



Another popular choice with guests again this time were the Indian chicken and vegetarian dishes by Indigo Restaurant.

Flaming Birthday Cake, Famous Crêpes & Guilt-Free Sweet Treat

Dessertwise, a birthday cake for XpatLoop.com and delicious tiramisu variations were provided by Cloud9 Desserts, alongside those were eponymous palacsinta (crêpes) from the Gundel Café, Patisserie & Restaurant.



Happily again this year there were 'Guilt-Free Sweets' by Zsolnay Café in Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, and as an extra indulgence there were jam filled doughnuts plus pecan nut and maple syrup pastries from Tesco.

“It is always a pleasure to support this great charity event, which is a long time and important part of the expat community’s annual calendar,” said Martin Coulam, Operations Director of Tesco Hungary.

Free-Flowing Feelgood Party Vibes, Fine Wine & High Spirits

To ensure good cheer, a wide range of drinks flowed freely all evening, including craft beer from Ruin Brew in the foyer and Brew Your Mind in the ballroom, plus a special selection of bottled IPA’s from Beer People, and to top it off there was high quality pálinka by Agárdi Distillery.



More than 20 fine wine varieties were poured personally for guests all evening by their talented and affable wine-makers from:

Grand Tokaj from Tokaj, Hilltop from Neszmély, Koch Winery from Hajós-Bajai & Villány, Dúzsi Tamás Winery from Szekszárd, Pajzos Winery from Tokaj, Polgár Family Winery from Villány, Spiegelberg Artisan Winery from Somló, and Tóthborbirtok from Pannonhalma.



A special mention goes to long term event wine partner Szeremley Wine House, founded in Badacsony by Huba Szeremley around a restaurant with a sweeping view of Lake Balaton.

Today László Szeremley keeps his focus on quality rather than quantity, and rare “hungaricum” varities that incorporate the region’s unique volcanic soil and Mediterranean-like microclimate.



An extra touch this year was fine red wine on all the gala tables from Liszkay Estate & Winery from Monoszló. Lovely flowerMe decorations adorned the tables too, along with chilled sparkling white wine for good measure.

A new relaxing touch this year was back & shoulder Thai Massage for guests at gala tables, and this optional service performed upon request resulted in many smiles and good vibes.



Soft drink options for guests included vitamin water by Viwa, a selection of Coca-Cola products, mineral water by NaturAqua, plus premium coffee from DeLonghi for those needing to ‘wake up’ after sampling aforementioned harder options.

Burning Up the Dancefloor with Globetrotting Party Band

Mega party group Just Show Band played live pop and rock classics during the evening's dance party slots, attracting an increasing number of emboldened guests to enjoy having a boogie.

Adding to the excitement was a drag performance of Florence & The Machine's ‘Dog Days’ by Valerie Divine. Following her awesome show she stayed on the dancefloor and guests joined her to bust a groove together.



The fun and games continued in the foyer for guests who didn’t fancy a dance, where for instance Milán Kelecsényi put on a display of quality menswear items again this year.

Remember, Remember: Bright Bonfire Night Reflections

Summing up the essence of the evening, Anikó + Andrew Woods said, ”As long-time attendees of this event, we look forward to this special Xpat Bonfire Charity party each year - not just for the chance to give back, but for the unique way it brings our expat and local communities together. This year was no exception!"



Anikó continued, "The evening was filled with warmth, laughter, generosity, dancing, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to win in the charity raffle!

It’s these moments, surrounded by friends, with great wine and delicious food, that make Budapest truly feel like home. We’re grateful to be part of this great tradition.”



Ending on a High Note of Gratitude: Heartfelt Thanks, Cheers Everyone!

Kudos is due to all involved, particularly to Nora Salga and Laura Nagy at the Budapest Marriott, plus Anna Szabó and staff at Special Effects for supporting so enthusiastically and professionally.

Naturally there are too many individuals to name in the available space, however Lilien Mondik, Eszter Szabadi and Melinda Szekesvari from Team XpatLoop deserve a shout-out for their super energetic commitment to the cause.

Angela Saliba the General Manager of the Budapest Marriott said afterwards, "I am very proud our hotel team hosted XpatLoop’s Bonfire Night charity event as part of an ongoing tradition".



"We were honored to offer our Grand Ballroom and terrace with breathtaking views, and to ensure the highest level of service to create a welcoming environment for Budapest’s expatriate community to come together.

This event provided us with a meaningful way to give back to the community while supporting causes such as UNICEF Hungary, dedicated to the welfare of children.

This partnership reflects our commitment to social responsibility, as the Bonfire Night event brings together a diverse group of people united for an important cause - raising funds and awareness for children in need," Angela the gracious hotel GM concluded.



The team effort was recognised by guests too, and feedback was very positive again, such as from Michele Orzan the President of EuCham - European Chamber:

“A thousand congratulations for a great Bonfire Night event again! You always arrange exceptionally successful events, thank you all, such a great team!”



The final word here goes to a key charity beneficiary as usual, this year to Antónia Mészáros the Executive Director of UNICEF Hungary:

"Thank you to everyone who participated in the raffle at this Xpat Charity Party, without such generous donors, we wouldn’t be able to respond so swiftly in emergency crises or sustain our work in the long term.

For many years since 2015, Stephen Linfitt has stood by us through charity initiatives at XpatLoop events to help local children in need. He is one of our most dedicated UNICEF Champions, who wholeheartedly supports our mission to help the world’s most vulnerable children.

His name has also become associated with the successful St. George's Day Charity Ball, which he has organized for the last three years - where last year the auction and raffle raised HUF 2 million to support families affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, as well as the war in Ukraine.

UNICEF Hungary is deeply moved and grateful for Stephen’s active involvement in bringing people together to raise charity funds and awareness. As children face ever-growing challenges, we appreciate his loyal support year after year."

Text by David Keresztes

Photos by Marko Novkov, Árpád Bakcsy, Marcus Schirrmacher-Gavallér, John Galvin

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