We are proud to announce that the AETA Gala 2025 is taking place on Saturday 1st February.
Booking early is highly recommended as places are limited.
Space!!
Students with their families and friends from across the AETA will be coming together on Saturday 1st February to celebrate the successes of our Association throughout 2024 at our black tie, 3 course dinner and disco until 12am. The gala is an opportunity for our members and instructors to meet and enjoy an evening to applaud our accomplishments over the last year.
As our clubs come together, during the evening we will have presentations of the successful black belt candidates in 2024 as well as our individual Grand Champion winners of the AETA League. We will also have a chance to reminisce over the various competitions and events our association has participated in or organised in 2024 and thank those involved with the Association that help us to continue being at the forefront of Taekwon-Do in England.
The event is open to all AETA members and their guests only and is on a first come, first served basis so please book early to avoid disappointment.
The evening will take place on Saturday 1st February 2025 at The Mercure Hotel, Tunbridge Wells
8 Tonbridge Rd, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4QL
Schedule
The schedule will be as follows:
| 5.00pm | Arrivals |
| 5.20pm | Guests take their seats |
| 5.30pm | Gala Begins – First Awards |
| 6.15pm | 3 Course Dinner |
| 8.00pm | Second Set of Awards |
| 8.30pm | Disco until 12.00am |
The choice of menu is below, if you have any special dietary requirements then please add this into the appropriate place when booking:
Adult’s Menu (£54 ticket)
STARTER
A: Sweet potato, chilli & coconut cream soup (Ve) (GF*)
B: Chicken, apricot and pancetta terrine, apple & cider chutney
C: Smoked salmon plate, black pepper cream cheese caper and shallots (GF)
D: Crispy breaded brie, pear and walnut salad, cranberry relish (V)
MAIN COURSE
A: Lamb two-ways, mini shepherd’s pie and confit lamb shoulder, mint and redcurrant gravy
B: Slow cooked brisket of beef, local ale, caramelised onion gravy (GF)
C: Grilled cod loin, mussels, peas, lemon beurre blanc (GF)
D: Asparagus and creamed leek tartlet, herb sauce (Ve) (GF)
DESSERT
A: Bailey’s crème brûlée, handmade shortbread
B: Glazed lemon tart, raspberry sorbet, fresh raspberries, raspberry coulis (GF)
C: Sticky toffee pudding, stickier toffee sauce
D: Oatmilk and vanilla panna cotta, strawberry cracked black pepper salsa (Ve)
Children’s Menu – 2-12 Years (£29 ticket)
STARTER
A: Tomato soup, bread roll (v)
B: Cheesy garlic bread (v)
C: Vegetable sticks and dips, carrot, cucumber, dips and tortilla chips (v)
D: Melon and strawberry (v)
MAIN COURSE
A: Chicken breast, mashed potato, vegetables
B: Breaded chicken goujons, chips and peas
C: Pork sausages, chips and beans
D: Battered fish fingers, fries and peas
E: Penne pasta, tomato sauce (v)
DESSERT
A: Warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream
B: Selection of ice cream
C: Fresh fruit salad
D: Strawberry and marshmallow skewer, chocolate sauce
Hotel Stay
If you wish to stay at The Mercure Hotel on Saturday 1st February then you can benefit from a special room rate for bed and breakfast, simply call the hotel on 01892628298 press Option 1 and quote 715763 for a 15% discount off the room rate for that night. (Please also check if booking.com is cheaper). All rooms are booked on a first come, first served basis.
The Mercure Tunbridge Wells
8 Tonbridge Rd, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4QL
Dress Code
This is a formal dinner night and we therefore request men wear black tie (no open shirts). Ladies may wear an evening gown or a cocktail dress reflecting the formal tone of the occasion. Children to dress appropriately for the occasion. Please refer to etiquette section below for further guidance.
Etiquette
This is a family event designed to celebrate our achievements and introduce our members to formal social events that will prepare them to attend other Taekwon-Do events.
All attendees (association members, their families and guests) are representing the All England Taekwon-Do Association (AETA). We therefore ask for the highest standards of behaviour throughout the event wearing appropriate attire that befits the event.
AETA members are responsible for the behaviour of any guest they invite. Parents are required to supervise their children throughout the event.
Please arrive promptly so the schedule can run to time. Attendees should gather in the lounge bar from 17:00. The lounge bar will be open before the event. There will be a seating plan displayed outside the suite so please check this in advance of the start time.
Taekwon-Do etiquette at the table is also to be followed, if you have a black belt on your table, grades should wait before eating until the the senior degree present gives the signal to begin any course by picking up their silverware. Those not training in TKD are not required to follow this protocol.
Alcohol will not be purchased for or consumed by under 18’s throughout the event and we ask that guests refrain from bringing their own alcohol to the event.
Poor behaviour not in keeping with the Taekwon-Do tenets and the AETA’s high standards won’t be accepted and may result in the transgressors (and their guests) being asked to leave.
We sincerely look forward to receiving you at our event and for an incredible evening.
The AETA Board