Polish festival and medieval tournament is extended due to high demand

Published on Wednesday 4 March 2009 09:13

UP TO 50 knights will descend on Leith Links for a medieval tournament as part of the Capital's first Polish Cultural Festival, which has had to be expanded because of demand.

There has been so much interest in the event next month that it has grown from a three-day festival to a week-long celebration of Polish culture, including music, theatre, exhibitions and film screenings.

Between 10,000 and 15,000 people are expected to attend.

Festival director Joanna Zawadzka said: "We have expanded the festival and at the moment we are the biggest Polish festival in the UK. Initially we planned to organise events over three days but many people were willing to participate so it has grown to a massive festival of Polish culture.

"People are very enthusiastic, especially because the programme is designed to satisfy almost everybody."

A week of activities will finish with a medieval tournament and market on Leith Links on Sunday, April 26.

Up to 50 knights will take part in sword fighting, combat demonstrations and a battle tournament, while demonstrations of cookery, alchemy, woodworking and medieval dancing are given and traditional Polish food is prepared according to medieval recipes.

The medieval tournament is expected to bring in 3000 spectators.

A group of 20 core volunteers have been planning the event over the last year and organisers said they hope it will appeal to Scots as well as ex-pat Poles.

Ms Zawadzka added: "There was a curiosity among our Scottish friends and we have been asking people on the streets of Edinburgh what they want to see.

"Our main aim is to see Polish and Scottish people having a good time together."

Other highlights will include exhibitions of visual art by Polish artists, including work by Michael Jankowski, Maja Muciek and Rafal Wilk.

A mix of traditional and contemporary Polish music will also be on offer.

The Orchestra of St Nicolas and traditional Polish folk musicians Krakowiacy will perform with dancers at the Queen's Hall, and Aleksander Kudajczyk will give a piano concert in Thomas Morton Hall.

Village Kollektive will offer a contemporary take on traditional melodies and an after party will feature both Scottish and Polish DJs.

A series of lectures will take place across the Capital, and plays by Bajka and Gappad Theatre will be performed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

The Polish Cultural Festival will also screen several short films, as well as films presented by the New Europe Film Festival and independent film festival Film Mountain.

The Polish Cultural Festival will run from April 20-26.

&#149 www.polishculturalfestival.org.uk