In 2016 the Song and Dance Ensemble ''Kujawy” welcomed the invitation from the Polish community of the partner city of Wloclawek, Bedford in England, and went on a six day trip to Shakespeare's homeland.

The main purpose of the trip was to celebrate the second edition of the Polish Festival and to present the repertoire to a wider audience in this London suburban city.

"Kujawy" presented dances from several regions of Poland, which were applauded by not only our compatriots but also many Brits. Other folk bands, rock bands and singer Katy Carr appeared on the stage too. On May 15, 2016, the main event was held by Krzysztof Skiba, the leader of the Big Cyc band.

In 2017 the pearl of Kuyavian folklore will visit Bedford again.

The team received an invitation from the Polish Culture and Language Association PLCA for celebrations related to the celebration of the Polish Culture and Heritage Day scheduled for May 21st. Song and Dance Ensemble "Kujawy" will perform during a unique concert and will promote Polish culture and tradition, while emphasizing the value of our "little homeland"- Kujawy.

In a letter to Maciej Mielczarski, Head of Song and Dance Ensemble “Kujawy”, we read:

"It would be an honor for us if the Song and Dance Ensemble "Kujawy" could come and perform at the Polish Culture and Heritage Day in Bedford. Last year we received a lot of positive feedback that convinced us that thanks to its uniqueness, this type of events are very necessary in our city. They allow for building positive relations of Polish people with the residents of Bedford, and the surrounding area, at the same time showing the uniqueness and distinctiveness of our cultural heritage, which has so much history not only in the United Kingdom, but also the whole Europe. The performances of your ensemble left indelible memories and allowed for a moment to transfer memories to Poland. Thanks to the exchange between the ensemble and our families, we are willing to continue the relations and we want to cultivate them."

After such warm words, the members of Song and Dance Ensemble "Kujawy" are nothing more than to start rehearsing before the performance. In May, Song and Dance Ensemble “Kujawy” will be an ambassador of our culture and roots – values which have accompanied us for generations and are what we are.

And in May ... packing suitcases ..., breaking up the "piggy bank" and the desired trip.

                                                                                                          Kinga Aneta Sroczyńska

Foto. Mariusz Maciejewski/ CKBB

                                                                                                          Translation: Lidia Miętkiewicz