The free event, organised by Polish Day Swindon and the Educational & Cultural Centre Swindon, brought together families, performers, community groups and businesses for an afternoon of cultural activities.
The festival featured traditional music, children’s entertainment, cultural displays, food stalls and information stands from Polish organisations operating across the town.
At the centre of the event was the Educational & Cultural Centre Swindon, the charity behind the long-established Maria Konopnicka Polish Saturday School.
The school has served local families since 1954 and is one of the oldest Polish educational institutions in the South West.
Its history mirrors that of Swindon’s wider Polish community. While many families moved to the town after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, Polish links with Swindon date back to the years following the Second World War.
Some families settled in Britain at that time, helping to establish a community that now spans several generations.
According to Census data, more than 4,000 Swindon residents were born in Poland. The wider Polish-British community in the town is believed to be significantly larger.
The Saturday School continues to support young people in learning the Polish language, history, geography and culture, while building lasting friendships and maintaining strong ties to their heritage.
Visitors at Sunday’s event were able to speak with teachers and volunteers, find out about educational programmes and explore the extracurricular activities and cultural trips offered throughout the year.
A key aim of the day was to highlight the strength and diversity of Swindon’s Polish community. A number of longstanding partner organisations hosted stalls, offering information about volunteering, youth groups and community projects.
Akademia Orląt Polskich organised family activities encouraging children to take part in challenges, collect stamps and win prizes while learning about Polish traditions.
Representatives from Koło Przyjaciół Harcerstwa Swindon, the Friends of Polish Scouting Association, also attended to promote their work supporting Polish scouting groups locally.
The organisation assists with funding for camps, activities and educational programmes, while helping preserve Polish traditions among young people growing up in Britain.
Music played a central role throughout the afternoon. One of the highlights was a live performance from Polish rock band PKS, who delivered a set of Polish rock and blues classics.
Traditional folk culture was also showcased, with colourful costumes, music and dance adding to the festival atmosphere across the park.
Festival-goers were able to sample a variety of Polish dishes and sweet treats, with food stalls proving popular throughout the day.
Organisers said the event aimed to celebrate heritage while strengthening connections between Polish and British residents in Swindon.
A spokesperson for the Educational & Cultural Centre Swindon said:
“Polish Day is about bringing people together. We are proud to promote Polish culture, language and traditions while building friendships and understanding within the wider Swindon community.
“The event also helps support our charitable work, including education, cultural activities and social initiatives that benefit local families throughout the year.”
As a charity event, funds raised will go towards supporting the centre’s ongoing educational, cultural and community programmes.
Organisers described this year’s festival as another successful celebration of one of Swindon’s largest and most established international communities.
Full gallery:
