Bradby Fiesta returns

Rainco Chief Operating Officer Ahamaed Aroos, Singer Sri Lanka Director Operations Chandana Samarasinghe, Nestle Lanka PLC Milo Senior Brand Manager Mohamed Ali, Bradby Fiesta Project Advisor Rizan Nazeer, Bradby Fiesta Project Chairman Boshan Dayaratne, Royal College Principal B.A Abeyrathna, Royal College Union Secretary Athula Munasinghe, JKH Asst. Vice President KFP Head of Sales and Marketing Shanil Perera, Imagine Entertainment (Pvt) Ltd Manager Events Chandima Karunathilake, Bradby Fiesta Deputy Chairman Nipuna Yatawara, 

With the 73rd Bradby Shield just around the corner, Bradby fever has well and truly taken over, and in that spirit it has been confirmed that the Bradby Fiesta, a carnival accompanying the Colombo leg of the Bradby, will be returning for a fourth straight year. 

Set to take place on the morning of the Bradby encounter on Saturday 3 June, the Bradby Fiesta will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until midnight at the Bloomfield Grounds. Attendances to the festival are expected to hit 20,000 throughout the day – rivalling or, possibly even surpassing, attendances in the ground itself.

The Bradby Shield encounter is of course the most anticipated and widely digested game of rugby in the country, and this time around it is expected to be particularly keenly contested. Trinity were bested 17-22 by Royal on home turf in the first leg last weekend, a result which saw Royal clinch the Schools Rugby League ahead of Trinity, and that hurt will not be easily forgotten by the boys from Kandy. They will be looking to repay their Colombo rivals in kind, and in the process prevent Royal from securing a rare season double.

With the stakes so high it is little surprise that tickets for this year’s Bradby Fiesta are in high demand, much like the tickets for the match itself. The Fiesta is being especially marketed to Royal and Trinity fans who were unable to procure tickets to the match at Royal College Sports Complex, with a giant LED screen set to showcase the match live.

Indeed this year’s fiesta, organised by the Royal College Union, is set to have something for everyone. The action packed morning session will see the Inter-school Tag Rugby Tournament with the participation of over 10 schools, in a bid to encourage the future generation in the game of rugby. 

A ‘Kids’ Nutrition Program’ addressed to parents will be conducted by Milo, to create awareness among parents about nutritional demands of growing up with a focus on sports. The Kids’ Game Zone will be open from 9.30 am with loads of fun and exciting games. A 3D movie ride, which can accommodate 9 people at a go will also be available and is being touted as a “showstopper”. 

Meanwhile any other carnival favourites such as fun rides, jet rides, and merry-go-rounds, alongside food outlets from some of Colombo’s best restaurants and star class hotels are expected to add to the festival atmosphere. There will also be a Sports Injury Advisory Camp at the festival with consultations to be provided free of charge.

The fiesta though does not end with the game with the After Party set to be headed up by DJ Mira from Ukraine who will take centre stage alongside local artists such as Black, BnS, Natasha Rathnayake and Shermaine Willis, courtesy Imagine Entertainments Ltd.

In a press release, the Royal College Union acknowledged the sponsors for the event: “Elephant House joins the festivity as official Beverage and Ice cream Partner. A sponsorship was signed with The Ceylon Cold Stores Ltd., popularly known amongst the Sri Lankan consumers by the famous brands Elephant House and Keells for three years, solidifying the brands’ commitment to Bradby Fiesta.

“One of Sri Lanka’s leading food and beverage companies, Nestle Lanka PLC too entered into a three year partnership through their popular household brands Milo and Maggie, reflecting the youthful excitement Bradby Fiesta promises to be. In addition, Singer Sri Lanka PLC and Rainco Pvt. Ltd too have come forward in supporting the colourful venture. The entrance ticket will also entail a 20% discount from the popular clothing store Uptown Kandy as yet another sponsor, adding the glitz and glamour. The discount coupon is included for both adults and kids and the offer is valid until 30 June.”

Tickets for the Bradby Fiesta will go on sale in two categories Rs. 100 (kids) and Rs. 200 (adults). (MB) 

Pix by Shehan Gunasekera