In his opening address, Consul General Frous spoke about the enduring strength of Czech-British relations and the long-standing ties between the two countries. He also highlighted the challenges currently facing both the Czech Republic and the regions of northern Britain Particular attention was given to strategic cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, especially the partnership between ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR, a company headquartered in Manchester. Referring to the tripartite memorandum of understanding signed in July, he noted that the agreement opens the way for the development of new sites for small modular reactors in the Czech Republic. He also welcomed the partnership between Rolls-Royce SMR and Škoda JS, under which the Czech company is expected to become the exclusive supplier of reactor control systems.

The evening’s musical programme featured Věra Faldýnová, a student at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, who performed alongside talented young Czech singers from Manchester.