Great British Festival now back in Manila to celebrate growing UK-PH relations

The British Embassy, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, and British Council Philippines will host the Great British Festival on October 19 to 20 2024 at C1 Park and Amphitheatre in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The event will showcase a variety of both UK and local companies, cultural performances, and other activities, simultaneously celebrating the UK-Philippine Friendship Day and reinforcing its 78th diplomatic relations.

In an interview, BCCP Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson noted a 50% increase in reaching over 56 participating companies from multiple sectors, major companies in the UK, and local businesses in the country. Nelson said that, “We have a much larger event than last year, we have over 56 companies participating across a wide range of companies–major UK companies, Shell, HSBC, Prulife UK, Unilever, Standard Chartered, and Land Rover…”

Major banking institutions in the Philippines that have presence in the UK and Europe will also be joining the event such as Banco De Oro (BDO), Philippine National Bank (PNB), and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) which further reinforces the growing number of Filipinos and trade relations with the UK and the region. Moreover, cultural activities and performances will also be featured to showcase the diversity of British cultural influence that captured the heart of many Filipinos. 

The festival being launched in 2014 reinforces the longstanding partnership between the two countries. In 2023, it hosted the return of the festival after its hiatus in 2019 which reached a total of 38 participating companies and 50,000 attendees. This year’s return anticipates a more exciting event with performances from local artists such as the Fables, Nica del Rosario, Hey June, Sintang Dalisay, West End Live!, SPIT: Improv Show, and a screening of some of the most popular British literary films.