A spectacle from across the globe
Tuesday night, the spectacular International Gala lit up Norjam in a way that will be remembered for years to come..
This wasn’t just a show, it was a dazzling celebration of culture, talent, and unity, featuring extraordinary performances from Scouts and Guides representing different corners of the globe.
Each act brought its own distinctive style, captivating the audience with colour, rhythm, and energy. The show kicked off with a hilarious comedy sketch from the Netherlands, within the Santa Cruz subcamp. Their tale of the “mischievous breakfast gnomes” had the entire audience roaring with laughter. From spilling cereal to comical attempts at brushing their beards, the gnomes’ chaotic morning journey was a perfect warm-up, leaving the crowd eager for more. Next came an energetic burst of movement from our international Scouting friends overseas. Their sensational dance routine was pure joy in motion. The choreography was sharp, the smiles genuine, and the positive energy irresistible the crowd couldn’t help but join in, clapping, stomping, and dancing along.
The spotlight then shifted to the Estonia contingent from the Rio De Janeiro subcamp, who delivered a spot-on recreation of Estonia’s Eurovision hit Espresso Macchiato. With dazzling lip-sync precision, slick dance moves, and an infectious stage presence, it felt like we were watching the real performance live from the contest itself!
Wales brought the power next, performing Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now with soaring vocals that filled the arena. Draped in the Welsh flag and cheered on by a sea of red dragons waving proudly in the audience, the act became a rallying moment for everyone present. The energy was fierce, the voices were strong, and the atmosphere electric
From there, the night took a graceful turn as 11th Meath Scouts from Ireland, staying in the Venice subcamp, took the stage. Their traditional Irish dance showcase was breathtaking display of precision, stamina, and artistry. Three distinct styles of dance were paired with three different traditional melodies, each performed flawlessly. Just when the audience thought it was over, the performance ended with an unaccompanied acapella solo, a beautiful moment that left everyone in awe before erupting into applause
Closing the evening was Scotland, sending everyone home on a high. Rose stepped forward to sing I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers – and within seconds, the entire crowd was singing along at the top of their lungs. It was a heartwarming finale that perfectly captured the camaraderie of the night. The International Gala was far more than a talent show, it was a celebration of global friendship. It reminded everyone that, although our traditions, songs, and dances may be unique to our homelands, the joy of sharing them is universal.