The HIM Haile Selassie I Legacy took part on Saturday 20th July as part of the 132nd birthday celebration of Emperor Haile Selassie I. All of the communities of Fairfield House were invited to join in the festivities and the day started with Kesis Belete Merid and Kesis Abate Gobena of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church performing an Ethiopian prayer service in the sacred garden. The day was formally opened by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Bath Cllr Michelle O'doherty.
The HIM Haile Selassie I : World Tour exhibition opening was the next treat for our communities and visitors after lunch. The exhibition was unveiled by the Mayor of Bath, with words from the curators, Fairfield House Operations Manager, Ras Benji, Triscott Ronde and Zach Barber of Bath Spa University. The exhibition explores the world travels and global impact of Emperor Haile Selassie I between 1924 - 1974. Special features of the new exhibition include a replica of the Emperor's famous uniform donated by Gad Anbessa and a world map depicting over 85% of his travels across the globe. HIM Haile Selassie I : World Tour is a new feature of our heritage spaces at Fairfield House, and is available for visitors to explore on our open days.
The Emperor's legacy cake was cut by Fairfield House Bath CIC Chairperson Fisseha Combley and BEMSCA chairperson Daniel Edmund.
Rastafari celebrations began soon after, strengthened by the presence of Ethiopian World Federation Local 3 and the Rastafari Indigenous village, followed by Tributes to the Emperor hosted by Imperial Voice Radio.
Thankyou to all our supporters and volunteers who made this celebration possible.
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