By Petros Lopez, Year 12
With less than 2 months to go, one of LGB’s most anticipated events is getting closer: the one and only Kermesse. In my 12 years at LGB, I have only ever missed the Kermesse twice, and this was due to Covid. It is by far my favorite event of the year on campus. The event is a real coming together of students, teachers, and parents that makes this Saturday in May a highlight of the year. I particularly like seeing our esteemed teachers outside the learning environment that we are used to and in a more sociable and relaxed atmosphere. In this article, find out the best parts of the Kermesse and how you can volunteer.
The Kermesse is a great day out for young and old alike. A fantastic place to bring young kids for games, attractions, and a meal. The younger visitors always seem to enjoy the sports challenges, inflatable parkours, and mini accrobranche in the forest. The older visitors, whether they’re alumni, parents, or teachers, enjoy catching up with old friends, and making new ones. Those who come to the Kermesse for lunch (and even a takeaway dinner) are sure to find a wide variety of options from one of the 50 international food booths from around the world. The great thing about the booths is that there are new ones almost every year and some become more popular each year. In my opinion, the food booths are a major highlight of the day. It is an opportunity for different people from all over the world and our LGB community to come together. Exploring the various tastes, smells, and recipes fills everyone with satisfaction and intrigue. The food booths represent the different cultures, food, languages, and ultimately the diversity that is found at LGB – it is a true representation of the diversity of LGB.
On a more personal note, my favorite part of the food stands is being with the Greek members of our community, sneaking Greek food for free to friends, and playing Greek music, which all make me feel as if I am in Greece. I am sure the feeling is the same for the Japanese, Brazilian, Italian, and many more nationalities’ students.
Opportunities for volunteering and socialising
While it is great to visit and indulge in the Kermesse’s many delights, volunteering is also great fun. Setting up the stands the evening before, and helping in the games during the day are great ways to increase school involvement and make the Kermesse fun for everyone. There are many other ways to get involved, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Kermesse organizers, or even your head of year, to find out how you can get involved. This year, there are other exciting volunteering opportunities such as being part of a sustainability team.
Experience
The only negative aspect ofthe Kermesse is that it comes to an end; and with this, the 1 year wait for the coming year’s Kermesse. In my experience, the Kermesse is undoubtedly one of the most fun and energetic events of the year, so I recommend showing up!
