Sporty Events
BANKS HOCKEY FESTIVAL
Banks Hockey Festival
H
ockey festivals all over the world are notorious for their party spirit and camaraderie and are usually staged at holiday times when the mood is relaxed and the atmosphere is casual. The same could be said for the Bank’s International Hockey Festival, but with a few massive extras that make it very special. After all, playing hockey on a tropical island paradise isn’t the regular diet of the average hockey player, and with parties and sideshows every evening, there’s as much fun off the field as on it. Add the competitive element and it doesn’t get much better. The week-long festival takes place in the third week of August and continues to attract clubs from all over the world. Matches are spread over three venues and players get the chance to play at the historic Kensington Oval, one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world and the scene of many epic test matches down the years. The hockey stalwarts can’t expect sell-out crowds in its towering stands, but they will enjoy the unique ambience of this majestic setting. The festival starts with a party and finishes with a party. All the teams and their friends and supporters gather on the Sunday afternoon for the official Welcome where everything and anything goes. Speeches, cultural shows, music, dancing, and song, combine with the sponsor’s favourite product so that the Bank’s Beer International Hockey Festival starts with a bang. Bank’s Beer has been the official sponsor since the inaugural tournament in 1986, but who would have believed this fun festival would have expanded to such an extent over the ensuing 27 years? One of the features of the Opening Ceremony is the zany dress code, which has produced some amazing sights far removed from the world of hockey. And what bizarre names down the years-Auld Reekies from Scotland, Pigs will Fly and Wonderful Fluffy Sheep from England, Reggae Selekzion et al. The international flavour of the festival is strong with teams from all over the world enjoying the experience and fun of the Bank’s Hockey Festival. 118