Some 80 people, young and old, large and small, every one of them with an entry visa for the Kingdom of Shushan, arrived in Bromley's departure lounge on March 27 in a glistening array of fancy dress, ranging from Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse, to a hippy and an easy rider, to a cow and Cleopatra.

Gallons of soup and hundreds of sausages disappeared before everybody joined together for Havdalah, followed by the reading of the Megillah - led by Burlington Bertie in a delightful pair of spats and punctuated by indignant snorts from a besuited Haman, who inspired the congregation to the loudest boos heard in years.

After Bertie's bravura recitation of the names of the 10 sons of Haman, it wsa off to the Bazaar to participate in competitions, meet the royal family and parade the costumes. A charming young compere, whose collection of hats rivalled the range of Hamantaschen on offer, put everybody at ease, and all too soon it was time to return to the cold, wet outside world. Photos of the event can be seen in our Photo Gallery.

Don't forget that once Purim has gone it is not long until Pesach, so book now if you want to attend the communal seder.