Poland in the UK

The Bal Polski is one of the most prestigious cultural events organised by Poles in the United Kingdom. The 50th edition of the Bal Polski celebrated the Polish positivist poet, novelist, journalist and activist for women's rights and for Polish independence, Maria Konopnicka. This year marks the 180th anniversary of her birth.

The Bal Polski was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and the Polish Embassy’s Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Agnieszka Kowalska. George Windsor, The Earl of St Andrews, Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Ireland, Anna Sochańska, Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Latvia, Monika Michaliszyn, and Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Italy, Anna Maria Anders, participated in the Ball as special guests.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Agnieszka Kowalska read out a letter from His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the United Kingdom, Piotr Wilczek, who will assume his responsibilities in London in the nearest future, saying that “Polish diaspora and Poles scattered all over the world have always helped their compatriots in Poland. The willingness to help another person is a particularly valuable virtue today. The [Bal Polski] is an excellent example of the continuation of this beautiful tradition that bears witness to Polish sacrifice and solidarity.”

The Polish Embassy contributed to the Bal Polski’s auction by donating a gift from Poland’s Presidential Couple – cufflinks and a nacre necklace with a handwritten dedication by the First Lady. The proceeds from this year’s gala ball will be donated to the Home for Mothers with Young Children and Pregnant Women in Łabunie near Zamość.

The 50th edition of the ball was hosted by TV presenter and BBC journalist, Kasia Madera, and TV and radio journalist, Marzena Rogalska. The star of the evening was the famous Polish singer, Natalia Kukulska. The guests of the ball were also entertained by the Mazury Dance Company.

The Bal Polski, previously known as the Bal Emigracji, has been taking place in London since 1970. It is a glittering, prestigious, social and cultural event, aiming at integrating the Polish diaspora and raising funds for charitable causes.
 

Photo credit: Ryszard Szydło