Community comes together for colourful, fun Thai new year at a Wimbledon temple

It was a glorious spring day and the Buddhapadipa Temple in Calonne Road provided the stunning backdrop for an array of entertainment, cuisine and stalls selling traditional Thai goods.

The secretary of the Buddhapadipa Temple, 80 year-old P.K. Lom said: "Thai New Year, which we also call the Songkran festival, is meant to celebrate the old tradition of new year being when Aries moves into Pisces.

"During the new year celebrations people pay their respects to the Buddha, and we have traditional Thai singing and dancing and there is a very friendly atmosphere."

Mr Lom, a monk who has been secretary at the temple since 1976, estimated that around 10,000 people of various nationalities attended the event including Thai, English, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese.

The morning’s religious ceremonies were opened by the Thai ambassador the UK, Kittiphong Na Rangong, and opening the afternoon’s entertainment was Merton police borough commander, Chief Superintendent Stuart Macleod.

Chief Supt Macleod said: "It is a wonderful occasion which brings together so many people from many different cultures and it was an honour to open this afternoon’s event."

The afternoon’s activities included a colourful beauty pageant and children treating the audience to some traditional Thai dancing.

Children were encouraged to place a sandcastle tribute next to an impressive sand sculpture of a pagoda.

There was a constant aroma of the authentic Thai cuisine on offer wafting across the grounds.

More than 20 stalls were selling delicacies including curries, pad thai noodles, deep-fried bananas and the more adventurous connoisseur could even try spicy pig-ear salad.

The event was a huge success, and Mr Hom wanted to emphasise his gratitude to the local people. He said: "I want to whole-heartedly thank all the neighbours who are very kind and understanding."