Poland in the UK

Following the success of last year’s PHD, which needed to be reinvented amid the global COVID-19 pandemic to be celebrated online and saw a number of virtual initiatives created by more than 30 local organisations, the Polish Embassy in London has opened a call for applications for the fifth edition of the initiative – once again hosted online only – which will be inaugurated on the Early May Bank Holiday weekend (1st-3rd of May). Every year, PHD sees a number of events organised to promote Polish culture, heritage of the past generations and the positive contribution made by the near-million-strong Polish diaspora to the cultural, economic and social life of the United Kingdom. This year’s fifth edition of PHD will be all the more special as it will celebrate reinforced values of community purpose and social solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the support provided by the Polish community to their neighbours throughout the UK. 

The deadline for applications for PHD project funding is on 31st of March. The results will be announced by 16th of April. 

“The Polish community in the United Kingdom is very involved in everyday life of their local communities and in providing help and support to their neighbours. A good example of that is the vital assistance they bring during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the aid they brought during the closure of the British-French borders during the Christmas break. Numerous Polish diaspora organisations as well as individuals organise aid campaigns, which are crucial at this very difficult time. Their activities deserve recognition and appreciation. Therefore, I strongly encourage all Polish and British organisations to take part in this year’s celebrations. If you have an idea for an online event, activity, initiative or project celebrating Polish culture and heritage, I urge you to get involved in PHD. I also encourage you to inform the local government and the local media about your projects to generate great interest among local communities,” said the Polish Ambassador to the UK, Arkady Rzegocki. 

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 Embassy’s efforts, has unofficially become the symbol of Poles in the UK. This year, however, there will be a new logo, created to mark the special fifth edition of the Polish Heritage Days. 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.