The ball had been organised by Czech and Slovak communities. This year, it was held in the prestigious hotel Principal in Manchester and attracted more than 400 guests. The opening speech was given by HE Slovak ambassador L. Rehak and HE Czech Consul General I. Losman. The Lord Mayor of Manchester J. Hitchen also welcomed the guests. In the context of the upcoming World Ice Hockey Championship that will be held in Slovakia next spring, the evening went on in the hockey spirit.