The event also marked the anniversary of XpatLoop.com, which is now looking forward to its 10th year of serving the international community in Hungary with news, information and inspiration. Stephen Linfitt, publisher of the portal and organiser of the party, thanked the Ambassador and other guests of honour in attendance, including Countess Éva Csáky Bornemisza.

The Countess is the founder of the Smiling Hospital, the charity foundation benefiting from all donations made on Bonfire Night in Budapest, a total of HUF 600.000. Dr. Albert Royaards, the president of the Foundation expressed his gratitude to expats supporting the cause of bringing smiles to sick children in Hungarian hospitals.

Mathieu van Alpen, General Manager of the hotel and event venue sponsor, also said a few words to let guests know he is pleased to be a Smiling Knight and an active supporter of the charity. Also as a client of XpatLoop.com he wished all readers a good evening at the hotel, with its stunning views of the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle.

All the words of welcome were well received, and the stage was set to light up the big bonfire inside the hotel. Thanks to party supporter JamFilm.eu (the producers of this video) a giant screen came to life with a blazing bonfire film, raising smiles and a round of applause, all of which warmed the room just as a real bonfire would warm up any Guy Fawkes night.

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