Poland in the UK

Following the success of last year’s PHD, which saw more than 100 initiatives organised in towns and cities across the United Kingdom, the Polish Embassy in London is opening a call for applications for the 2023 edition of the initiative. Every year in May, PHD sees a number of events organised throughout the UK to promote Polish culture, the heritage of past generations, solidarity, community values and the positive contribution made by the Polish diaspora to the cultural, economic and social life of this country. The celebration coincides with the Day of Poles Abroad and the Flag Day marked in Poland on 2nd May as well as the 3rd of May Constitution Day. This year’s PHD will focus on celebrating the Polish-British cooperation on breaking the Enigma code, marking the 80th anniversary of Polish codebreakers Marian Rejewski and Henryk Zygalski coming to the United Kingdom. We encourage everyone to celebrate the anniversary and share their inspiring stories with the local communities.

The deadline for applications for PHD project funding is on 26 March. The results will be announced on 17 April.

“I encourage you to organise events, initiatives and projects which will promote our fascinating history, culture and Polish scientific, economic and sporting achievements among our friends and neighbours. Let us continue the wonderful tradition of celebrating all things Polish. This year, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Polish codebreakers coming to the United Kingdom. They contributed considerably to the breaking of the Enigma code and the Allied victory in the Second World War. This anniversary may be the reason, but we are also counting on many other ideas. If you have an idea for an event, activity, initiative or project celebrating Polish achievements in some area, I encourage you to get involved in Polish Heritage Days. I also encourage you to inform the local governments and the local media about your projects to generate interest among the local communities,” said Polish Ambassador to the UK Piotr Wilczek.

Due to the announcement about the coronation of King Charles III being on 6 May, we suggest that any events being organised as part of Polish Heritage Days take place after this date.

The official symbol of Polish Heritage Days is the red-and-white chequerboard, which was the emblem of the Polish pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain and which, thanks to the Embassy’s efforts, has unofficially become the symbol of Poles in the UK. Visit our website and social media channels to find out more about PHD and follow the hashtags #PLHeritageDays and #PolesinUK on Twitter and Facebook.

If you have questions about the PHD application process, email us at: polishday.london@msz.gov.pl.

Polish Embassy UK Press Office