362. Report on The British Isles Show 2013

Coronation Street seemed to be the star of the 22^nd annual British show.  The only queue was of  fans eager to have their picture taken with one of that television show’s stars, Charlie Condou. Coronation Street’s name was for sale on scarves, caps, and of course on DVDs.

Other prominent DVDs for sale featured Downton Abby, Mr. Bean, and even Monty Python. How can one forget Bean’s appearance at the opening of the London Olympics?

I’m not British but I do like beef steak and kidney pie, scones and shortbread. I couldn’t resist buying some from British Baked Goods.

I was tempted to buy a mask so my husband would show up at a party as Prince Phillip and me as Kate. Those were great fun.

Mari Anttila of Not Just Cats reminded me how much the Brits love pets. Us too. I bought a tee-shirt.

A shell game cleverly attracted me to a  free Downton Abby gift of a spoon holder. I would have ignored it otherwise, but the challenge was there.

I didn’t see any other takers near the Monarchist League with its books on the late Queen Mother nor at the booth offering searches for British roots and family crests. I was drawn to the souvenirs of the Allied invasion in June 1944 of German-occupied France. Who would wear a reminder of a 70 year old event? No one else was near but I liked the history. People seemed to be more interested in television’s made-up gossip and food. Sorry I didn’t have time for the Scottish and Irish dancers.

But it was fun, and I’m looking forward to next year’s show.

Please share your impressions of other free or nearly-free multicultural Toronto events with us: ruthlormalloy@gmail.com .