Poland in the UK

Each year, 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 theme of this year’s PHD was the 130th anniversary of the birth of three Polish generals, Władysław Anders, Stanisław Maczek and Stanisław Sosabowski, and their contribution to the legacy and history of Poles in the British Isles. There were also initiatives that demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine.

This year’s edition saw more than 100 events organised in dozens of UK towns and cities as well as online. Families with children could take part in picnics, workshops and Polish dance shows on the Isle of Wight, in Gloucester, Belfast, Glasgow and London. History enthusiasts could choose from such initiatives as a tour around London places related to the three generals, a JW3 discussion on the Ładoś Group with historians Roger Moorhouse and Jennifer Grant, and a travelling exhibition promoting the Polish-British alliance during the Second World War. For aviation enthusiasts, among others, there was an exhibition of Polish model aeroplanes in Chester and an exhibition in Leicester devoted to Polish pilots. For everyone interested in ships, the highlight of the Polish Heritage Days was definitely the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the defence of the Isle of Wight by Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica, which was attended by Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek. There were also various talks, concerts, festivals and competitions devoted to Polish culture and history. The symbolic start of this year’s Polish Heritage Days was the ceremony of wreath-laying by, among others, Consul General of Poland in London Mateusz Stąsiek, English Heritage representatives and people involved in promoting knowledge about the Silent Unseen, which took place to mark the 80th anniversary of the opening of Station 43 at Audley End.

Polish Heritage Days are celebrated in the United Kingdom annually since 2017 close to the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad Day and the Polish Flag Day on 2nd May and the 3rd May Constitution Day. The official symbol of the initiative 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 Polish Embassy’s efforts, has unofficially become the symbol of Poles living in the UK.

Polish Embassy UK Press Office