Report : The Emperor's 130th Birthday Celebrations July 23rd 2022

The 130th Birthday Celebrations of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I at Fairfield House, Bath

" The Emperor's Birthday "

For His Imperial Majesty's 45th Birthday Party in 1937 at Fairfield House the Emperor and Empress received guests including the Rt Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress of Bath, on the front lawn in front of a small carpeted marquee lined with the Ethiopian colours of red, yellow and green

On the 23rd July 2022, celebrating His Imperial Majesty's 130th Birthday at Fairfield House we set up an educational Installation piece reflecting this event which took place in the same place 85 years ago.

Our inspiration for the installation was the news report featured in the Bath Chronicle and the Ethiopian Imperial coat of arms which depicts the Holy throne of David + Solomon flanked by the archangels Michael and Gabriel, Inside the Imperial tent, with the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah standing before the throne.

It was especially fitting for the present Rt Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress Rob and Amanda Appleyard to be in attendance and we are very thankful to the Mayor for opening the historic celebrations.

Cultural and community celebrations included a performance from Bath Saxophonists honouring His Imperial Majesty, community talks, poetry, music, an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and a book launch '' 12 Lessons learned from the Guardian Monk of the Ark of the Covenant'' by Jevon White.

Early In the afternoon the traditional Rastafari spiritual celebration began with Nyahbinghi drumming and chanting and continued joyously until 9pm.

It was a wonderful and historic day of celebrations for the Emperor at Fairfield House involving more of our communities than ever before. Thankyou to everyone who attended and made this day possible.