Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Last year a friend of mine told me about a concert and then a candle lit procession at Escape beach to celebrate and commerate the 20th July 1974! It was not advertised at all in the English press, and my friend has just confirmed it will be going ahead again this year. It really was fabulous last year and I hıghly recommend you go! A free concert will start at the top of escape beach in the evening. Before midnight..you have the chance to get a big flaming torch..but it does get a bit crazy..with people pushing..my advice take your own! Then everybody makes their way down to escape beach. Then..you just sit and wait..lots of people take guitars and sit around in groups singing. Every now and then a flare goes off from the Island. Take your own food and refreshments - as this is not a commercial venture. Then at 4am.....boats come to shore..with veteran soldiers from 1974! There is a most amzing firework display....and then the call to prayer..the atmosphere is undescribable. I think there were about 10 brits last year, me sacha and tom being 3 of them! Sacha and ı watched from a distance..tomas got stuck. He was right down on the pier with the ottoman marching band....
The occassion is very serious...not appropiate to go down there with loads and beer and turn it into a knees up..just go with enough refreshments to make yourself comfortable..sit back and enjoy the show...we still don't have details on the concert..but if you want a great local experience....this is one not to be missed!

sounds good lets hope the drinkers don't spoil it as you say its not a party its an act of solemnity i think thats how you spell it

Have a friend who keeps telling me I should go along but it is way past my 9pm bed time.

There is a growing band of Cypriots who think this event, along with the 20th July parades etc should cease as it is to jingoistic. The comments I have had to me when I mention 20th is it is time to move on, and if an agreement is ever to be reached all such events on both sides should stop.

As a non Cypriot I will not comment other than the air display at Girne around 6pm on 20th July is not to be missed!!!!! The Turkish Stars are just brilliant. For me the best spot to watch it is at Girne sea front where the jets fly just in front of you at heights that are unreal.

Thanks for the info Libby - it should be a lovely and moving event. As a non-cypriot I would just make one comment ref: the "forget and move on comment" - we, as Europeans do not forget those who have sacrificed themselves so that we have what we have today and I think the same should apply here ...............

I find the best place to watch the planes are out at sea! there is nothing like the feeling that they are coming straight at you!