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The Icelandic Society in London
The Icelandic Society in London is a non profit organisation that seeks to enhance and improve bonds between Icelanders, and friends of Iceland, living in London. Its mandate is to maintain and strengthen the ties to Iceland, to increase its member’s knowledge about the United Kingdom and Britons, and to create a social network between Icelanders living in the UK.
The main role of the society is to hosts various events through out the year as well as promote other events connected to Iceland in any way.
Among the events that the Icelandic Society hosts are:
Þorrablót – is an Icelandic midwinter festival that takes place in the month of Þorri, according to the Old Icelandic Calendar. Usually held in February or March. The members of the society get together and eat traditional Icelandic food, drink, dance and sing songs that praise the Þorrablót and Iceland and give speeches honouring the qualities men and women.
Fullveldishátíð – A sovereignty festival marking the 1st of December 1918 when Icelanders became a free and independent in nation. From that day Iceland had full control of its domestic affairs but remained under the Danish crown until 1944. This day is commemorated with a cultural festival showing off the various Icelandic talents residing in London, ranging from fashion and literature to acting and photography. This event circles around the 1.december each year.
The Day of the Icelandic Language is November 16th, the birth date of poet Jonas Hallgrimsson. The Icelandic Society marks the day by getting together for an evening of speaking Icelandic. Readings from newly published books as well as an open microphone for anyone who wishes to recite passages by favourite Icelandic authors or from their own work.
European song contest party – Iceland is a big Eurovision nation and every year we wholeheartedly believe that our song is the best and is destined to win!
Other events include but are not limited to: Easter bingo, June 17th (Independence Day) celebrations and bbq, Christmas dance with Icelandic Santa Clauses, election nights, pub quiz and game nights.
If you are interested in Iceland, in love with an Icelander or just like us join in the fun; register for our mailing list!
Learn Icelandic in London!
Take an evening course in UCL’s Centre for Languages and International Education (CLIE) and learn Icelandic! Courses are taught at five levels from complete-beginner to post-advance. Classes are held weekly for two hours, either at 17:00-19:00 or 19:00-21:00. Please see their website for further information on course dates and fees.
City Lit (Centre for Adult Learning) London does Icelandic courses.
It is also possible to learn Icelandic online with a native speaking tutor visa this website: http://www.icelandic-lessons.com/. Face-to-face lessons can also be arranged for those based in London.
Press
The Icelandic Society in London is a non profit organisation and is therefore unable to assist with project funding.
For enquiries relating to the Icelandic Society, please contact us either via info@ifelag.co.uk or by contacting any board member directly as listed below.
For press related matters regarding the economic situation in Iceland, please contact the Embassy of Iceland, 2A Hans Street, London SW1X 0JE, tel.: +44 (0)20 7259 3999 , e-mail: icemb.london@utn.stjr.is
The Board of the Society 2013-2014
- Sesselía Ólafsdóttir, Chairperson (formadur (at) ifelag.co.uk)
- Nanna Guðmundsdóttir, Treasurer (gjaldkeri (at) ifelag.co.uk)
- Andrea Ösp Kristinsdóttir, Webmaster (vefstjori (at) ifelag.co.uk)
- Hans Róbert Hlynsson, Registrar (ritari (at) ifelag.co.uk)
- Guðný Jónasdóttir, Board member (medstjornandi (at) ifelag.co.uk)