Christmas Celebration by KCA-UK Brings Communities Together in Manchester
Manchester: The Konkani Cultural Association (KCA-UK) hosted its highly anticipated Christmas celebration, popularly known as Christmas Boom, bringing together people from diverse communities and faiths across the North West of England for an evening of joy, fellowship, and festive spirit.
This year’s Christmas Boom 2025 was held on December 20, 2025, at St. Mary’s Church Hall, Levenshulme, Manchester. Over 120 attendees from various parts of England participated in this fun-filled, family-oriented event.
KCA UK planned this event under the objective of ‘Peace and Unity.’
The event commenced at 7:15 pm in a lively atmosphere. Young and energetic host Sonal Mendonca kicked off the evening with uniquely designed ice-breaker activities, helping newcomers and guests feel at ease and encouraging interaction. Notably, nearly one-third of the attendees were first-time participants. Later, Ajith Peter D’Souza took over hosting duties and skilfully steered the programme forward.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Nativity Play performed by KCA-UK children. The performance was well coordinated by Neil Lasrado, Anthony Mary Rodrigues, and Marina Monis, and received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience. This was followed by melodious Carol Singing, with both segments led by renowned musician and composer Ajith Peter D’Souza (APD).
KCA-UK President Sujith Rodrigues welcomed the gathering and encouraged active participation from all attendees.
The hall was beautifully decorated by Stephi Martis of Party Pallets, whose meaningful and creative décor successfully brought the true Christmas ambience to the venue.
Guests were treated to delicious Kuswar and Christmas cake, lovingly prepared and distributed by Jyothi Mendonca, Lainet Pinto, Reena Rodrigues, Anthony Mary Rodrigues, Marina Monis, Daina Monis, and Charlotte Barboza.
Excitement peaked when Santa Claus made a grand entry. Shaun D’Souza, portraying Santa and supported by Stephi Martis, delighted the children by distributing gifts to each of them.
As scheduled, the bar opened at 8:15 pm, offering drinks of guests’ choice along with starters, followed by dinner at around 9:15 pm.
The evening was further enlivened by games, singing, and dance performances by both children and adults of KCA-UK.
Stephi Martis and team, Sinol Mendonca and team, Richelle Rodrigues and Ancita D’Souza were key contributors in the choreography and singing segment of the event.
The event was beautifully captured by photographers Wilson Coelho, Vinjoy Rego, and Shaun D’Souza.
KCA-UK Treasurer Mario Cornelio proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging everyone who worked tirelessly to make the event a grand success, and extended Christmas and New Year wishes to all participants.
Mario Cornelio, Joshua D’Souza, Neil Lasrado, Sanjay D’Souza, Prem D’Souza, Shalma Fernandes, Reinal D’Mello, Joyline Menezes, Pramila Quadros, and Nikil Fernandes played a crucial role in organising food and beverages.
The evening also featured an exciting Christmas Hamper Draw, coordinated by Jyothi Mendonca and Steven Fernandes.
KCA-UK sincerely thanked Dr. Santhosh Amulya and family, Marina Monis and family, for being the key sponsors of the Christmas hampers.
Renowned community DJ Ajith Rego (DJ-AJ) provided sound and music support, while KCA UK communication coordinator Vinjoy Rego offered comprehensive digital support from the planning stage through to the event’s completion.
The delightful celebration concluded late into the night with non-stop dancing, leaving participants with cherished memories of a truly festive evening.