Once again this year, on the occasion of Italian National Day, Italian institutions in the United Kingdom held a series of initiatives from 5 to 8 June 2023, to celebrate a crucial event in the history of our country. These initiatives aim to highlight the pride and industriousness of the Italian community in the UK, promote Italian excellence in the fields of art, sports, food, and design, and underscore the extraordinary moment in Italo-British relations.
The events commenced with an event on Monday 5 June organised by the Consulate General of Italy in London at the historic Mansion House in the City, a symbolic venue of Italian presence in the British capital. The event, hosted by Consul General Domenico Bellantone, was sponsored by prestigious Italian brands in the fields of hospitality, food and beverages, design, and industry. It was an opportunity to celebrate Italian excellence in various sectors and strengthen the bonds between the extensive Italian community and the city, in a unique space for such celebrations.
On Tuesday 6 June, the splendid Grosvenor Square Residence welcomed football enthusiasts for an exciting evening with Sky journalist Federico Buffa, who brought his show “Italia Mundial” to London. It was a captivating journey reliving the Italian triumph at the 1982 World Cup, providing a unique opportunity for a select audience to relive the most iconic moments of that historic competition and celebrate the talent of those champions who made history.
The following day, Wednesday 7 June, Ambassador Lambertini and Mrs. Maria Grazia Lambertini hosted the traditional reception for British authorities at the Residence. Guests included the Speaker of the House of Commons, several members of Her Majesty’s Government, the Mayor of Westminster, as well as numerous representatives of local society and many other friends from the large Italo-British family in London. The event was organised in collaboration with renowned Italian brands including Badiani Gelato, Campari Group, Carnevale Ltd., Delitalia Ltd., Etnacoffee, Farchioni, Gallo UK, Consorzio Pasta di Gragnano IGP, Consorzio Grana Padano DOP, Consorzio Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, Peroni Nastro Azzurro (Asahi Group), Consorzio Prosecco DOC, Tenuta San Pietro a Pettine, Steccolecco, and Vincenzo Ltd. Thanks to their support, we celebrated our Italian identity together, savouring authentic Italian delicacies and enjoying wines and cocktails of recognized quality. The event was also enriched by the presence of brands such as Damiani and Pomellato, who exhibited some of their most representative pieces in the rooms of the Residence, as well as Ducati and Ferrari, showcasing some of their most iconic models — specifically, the Ducati Panigale V4S and Diavel V4, and the latest Ferrari 296 GTS—for a unique and exclusive photo opportunity.
The evening also featured exceptional musical accompaniment: the Clarinet Ensemble of the Air Force Band, who came to London as part of the commemorations for the centenary of the establishment of the Air Force, thanks to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General S.A. Luca Goretti, who will be present at the reception. Additionally, award-winning British-Cypriot soprano, Katerina Mina, an artist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Mexican tenor Luis Chapa from the Metropolitan Opera provided a captivating musical performance to surprise and delight the guests of the evening.
To conclude the celebrations of Italian National Day, on Thursday 8 June, the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in London, Katia Pizzi, presented the experimental performance of Italian harpist Kety Fusco, a revolutionary figure in the world of the harp and known as the “Queen of the Electric Harp.” Departing from the traditional arpeggios and sonic textures typically associated with the instrument, Kety Fusco’s music transported the audience to a universe of unexpected sounds, showcasing the uniqueness of our contemporary artistic production with a highly regarded name on the international music scene.
“We are witnessing a moment of great revitalisation in Italo-British relations,” stated Ambassador Lambertini. “In less than a year since the start of my mission in the United Kingdom, I have witnessed intense and growing cooperation between our governments. The visit of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni last April and President Sergio Mattarella’s attendance at the coronation of King Charles III at the beginning of May are clear and unequivocal signs of this. There couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the friendship between our two countries, united by the values of freedom, democracy, and international cooperation, which find their highest expression in Italian Republic Day.”
