Event Connoisseurs

Meet Elizabeth Flanders
the woman behind Event Connoisseurs

Welcome to my blog

As the Founder of Event Connoisseurs I started this business because I could not find any Caribbean focused events that remembered our culture and heritage whilst celebrating the positive contribution, we, the Caribbean and those of Caribbean descent, have made to society whilst also honouring our history. 

Many Caribbean islands celebrate their individual history, yet I see the Caribbean as a community, and therefore all three of our events will focus on the Caribbean as one community with a shared heritage.  I also feel that the Caribbean could be better represented as a stand-alone nation and, although there are strong links with Africa, we should not allow this to consume our unique identity born out of our own struggle. 

Therefore, I am passionate about creating inspired, exceptional, and unforgettable events for you. I want to showcase the best of the Caribbean to a UK audience, to celebrate, preserve and grow our rich culture and heritage. To inspire UK based individuals from a Caribbean background to explore the richness of their culture, take pride in their heritage and discover (or rediscover) their cultural identity.

Why this is important to me.

To quote Marcus Garvey…. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”.

Cultural events have a huge role to play in sharing knowledge and information and in promoting understanding, tolerance, and acceptance.  These events also provide a better understanding of self, of identity and of belonging; cultural events build community.  Let’s be proud to be Caribbean and let’s explore what this means together.  Let us pass on our folk stories, how to make sorrel, what the celebration of carnival truly represents; our cultural landmarks – Community!

My events credential.

With over twenty years of event planning and management experience from the corporate world and private clients; I first entered the world of event planning as a Conference Administrator in the 1990s and soon worked my way up to become the Events Team Leader.  Over the years I organised hundreds of events ranging in size and complexity and did a lot of travelling.  My experience is varied and ranges from Staff Awards and AGMs, large-scale Corporate conferences to birthday celebrations and Family Fun Days.

We are launching with not one but two events in 2022

Planning events take time, patience, and precision; in the lead up to our first event as Event Connoisseurs we have been busy sourcing venues, seeking sponsors and engaging with you, our audience. 

Spirit of the Caribbean Annual Ball, incorporating the Black Honour Awards

Saturday 4 June 2022 in London

Nominations open this week for the Black Honour Awards as part of our flagship Ball.  Categories include:

  • Exceptional contribution to Caribbean culture in the UK
  • Outstanding personal achievement
  • Innovative new black owned business or brand
  • Community development Legacy Award
  • Friend of the Caribbean
  • Rising Star
  • Local Legends
To nominate and meet our panel of judges please visit our website @ https://eventconnoisseurs.com/

Our second event for 2022 is:

Emancipation Remembrance Day UK

Sunday 7 August 2022, London

This event will be co-hosted by the multi-talented Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director of the Young Vic. The event will have something for everyone, if you want to explore your heritage or considered building your family tree, historian Paul Crooks will be there to help you get started.  Steve Martin a notable historian will be exploring our timeline.  From choir to carnival; workshops and more, exploring Caribbean customs and traditions; health and wellness, with representation for the Caribbean islands who celebrate Emancipation Day this is the not to be missed event of the year.  Let us celebrate, embrace, learn and grow together, let us celebrate the Caribbean with a UK vibe.

We are keen to secure sponsors and collaborators, always happy to discuss how we might work together; you can send me a message, visit our website https://eventconnoisseurs.com/ or give me a call on 07306591234.

We are also keen to hear from you if you know of any Caribbean focused events that take place in the UK on a regular basis, let’s build a Calendar of UK Caribbean Cultural events.

It is time for the Caribbean to be seen in a new light –  we are so much more than sun, sea, music, food and rum! We have a culture worth preserving and at Event Connoisseurs, we plan to be at the front leading this change.

No event found!

Posted By Elizabeth, 4th November 2021