MARKET Square in Evesham town centre came alive on Saturday with stalls, music, dancing and families enjoying the atmosphere in a joyful celebration of Polish culture.
After a two-year absence from the town centre, hundreds of people thronged the area throughout the afternoon to browse stalls, enjoy refreshments and taste plenty of traditional foods such as pea soup (grochówka), Polish sausages and apple cake (jabłecznik).
There were fun activities such as face painting to keep youngsters entertained, whilst an exhibition on Polish history, including the notorious Second World War Katyn massacre, provided interest for older visitors.
Female singing duo Poppies from Birmingham entertained the audience from a stage outside the Round House, and three children from the Polish Language School in Evesham also sang their hearts out.
An exhibition on Polish history, including the notorious and brutal Katyn massacre during the Second World War also provided interest for older visitors.
A highlight of the afternoon was Polish folk dance group Wiesniacy, also from Birmingham, who dazzled the crowds with their energetic traditional dances from the Zywie mountain region in southern Poland.
The event’s co-organiser Ewa Polanska, a Polish language teacher from Polish Language School in Evesham, told the Observer it was good to be back.
“It’s great to be in Market Square again, although the weather could have been a bit warmer.
She said the event had attracted members of the Polish community from across the district and added: “We want to keep our heritage alive and pass it on to the next generation.”
Agnieszka Kedra, from Polish Community Evesham, expressed her heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who made Polish Heritage Day possible.
“Their dedication, hard work, and commitment were essential in organising this wonderful event.
Without their support, this celebration would not have been such a success – we truly appreciated their invaluable contributions,” she added.
The event was supported by Wychavon District and Evesham Town Councils.
