The 50th jubilee edition of the Polish Ball in London
The special 50th edition of the Polish Ball, which took place on February 5, 2022, at the historic Guildhall in London, was attended by many guests important for Polish and British culture. This time, the funds collected during the charity ball will support the activities of the House for Mothers with Minor Children and Pregnant Women in Łabunia near Zamość.
The Polish Ball is undoubtedly the most prestigious cultural event in the life of British Polonia. The theme of the event, which took place for the 50th time, was a Polish poet and novelist from the positivist period and a literary critic and social activist, Maria Konopnicka. This year is the 180th anniversary of her birth.
The Polish Ball was held at the historic Guildhall, the seat of the municipal authorities of the City of London, under the patronage of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London by Agnieszka Kowalska. Among the guests, there were, among others, Count St Andrews Jerzy Windsor, the Polish Ambassador to Ireland Anna Sochańska, the Polish Ambassador to Latvia Monika Michaliszyn and the Polish Ambassador to Italy Anna Maria Anders.
Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Agnieszka Kowalska read a letter from Ambassador Piotr Wilczek, who will soon take over his duties in London, saying that "Polish diaspora and Poles all over the world have always helped their compatriots in the country. The willingness to help another person is a precious attribute today. Bal Polski is an excellent example of continuing this beautiful tradition, witnessing Polish sacrifice and solidarity.
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London supported the Bal by donating to the auction, among others, a gift from the Presidential Couple, i.e. cufflinks and a mother-of-pearl necklace with a handwritten dedication by the First Lady. This year, the proceeds from the charity ball will be donated to support the Home for Mothers with Minor Children and Pregnant Women in Łabunia near Zamość.
This year's 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 event was accompanied by performances by the Masuria Song and Dance Ensemble.
Polish Balls, formerly known as Emigration Balls, have been held in London since 1970. They are prestigious cultural and social events; they integrate the Polish community in Great Britain and support noble charitable causes.
Photographs from the Polish Ball by Ryszard Szydło.
