This Aktywny Dialog concert at The Guildhall brought together artist Katy Carr, members of the Sybirak community, and the wider Polish and British public for an unforgettable afternoon of remembrance, music, and shared history. Held during the 85th anniversary of the Soviet deportations of Polish citizens to Siberia, the event honoured the suffering, resilience, and unbroken spirit of those who endured forced exile under Russian aggression.
🎥 Watch the concert here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1161821695655988
A Historic Venue: The Great Hall, Guildhall Museum Leicester
The concert took place inside the Great Hall of Leicester’s Guildhall, one of the city’s most treasured medieval buildings. Dating back to the 14th century, the Guildhall has served as a civic centre, courtroom, library, and community gathering place for more than 600 years. Today, as part of the Guildhall Museum, it stands as a guardian of Leicester’s heritage — a place where stories are preserved and shared.
Hosting the Sybirak community within its ancient walls added a profound sense of continuity and dignity, reminding us that history must be carried forward with honesty and respect.
A Memorable Sunday in Leicester
As shared by Project Polska, it was truly “a memorable Sunday in Leicester” — an afternoon filled with history, emotion, and deep reflection. The music carried the stories of the past, paying tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom and celebrating the cultural heritage that continues to shape our Polish 🇵🇱 community in the United Kingdom.
From Katy Carr’s moving performance to the shared moments of storytelling and remembrance, the event brought everyone together in a beautiful spirit of unity, compassion, and collective memory.
Honouring the Sybiraks
We had the honour of welcoming two extraordinary women: Mrs. Janina Lewczuk and Mrs. Barbara Soceławska, Poles who survived the brutal deportations to Siberia and walked a long, courageous road through suffering, exile, and survival. Their vivid memories and heartfelt testimonies deeply moved all who attended.
🎤 16th November – Concert at the Guildhall Museum in Leicester
This was a highlight! At the Guildhall Museum in Leicester, I performed a concert with two Siberian Survivors present Pani Basia and Pani Janina who were only 1 year old when the Russians stole them and their families for slavery in Siberia in 1940. Their presence gave the evening such depth and meaning, it felt like history and music were woven together in one room.Below with Pani Janina who was only 1 year old when her family were stolen by Russian aggression from Poland to Siberia in 1940. It was such a special occasion to still be able to sing a concert with Polish survivors of the WWII Russian Slave Trade.
Below Katy Carr performs ‘Czerwone Maki Na Monte Cassino’ – The Red Poppies on Monte Cassino song in the Great Hall at the Guildhall Museum in Leicester – note the visuals of the Battle of Monte Cassino Polish Victory 18th May 1944
Watch concert link here :https://www.facebook.com/reel/1161821695655988
A huge thank you goes to Barbara Czyznikowska, Director of Project Polska, who was absolutely instrumental in helping to organise this event. Barbara’s dedication and energy made it possible for us to engage with both the British and Polish communities in Leicester. We thank her a million times over for her incredible effort and support, it truly wouldn’t have been the same without her!
🏰 A little history: The Guildhall is Leicester’s oldest civic building, with its Great Hall dating back to 1390. It was originally the meeting place of the Guild of Corpus Christi, a powerful group of merchants and gentry. Over the centuries, it has served as a town hall, library, police station, and even a theatre where Shakespeare is said to have performed.
👑 King Richard III connection: The Guildhall stands right next to Leicester Cathedral, where King Richard III was reburied in 2015. The nearby King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the incredible story of how his remains were discovered and identified by DNA testing.
Historical Research Presented
During the event, we also presented materials collected by historians from the Center for Documentation of Expulsions and Relocations of the Pedagogical University in Kraków, focusing on the history of Polish Siberia in Leicester. These valuable recordings are available on YouTube: 🔗 https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbD6yd_Zssd1MTiQKYgvTFD-yBFypHdG
Their work ensures that the stories of the Sybiracy — their suffering, endurance, and humanity — remain accessible to future generations.
A Special Thank You
A huge thank you goes to Barbara Czyznikowska, Director of Project Polska, who was absolutely instrumental in helping to organise this event. Barbara’s dedication, energy, and tireless commitment made it possible for us to engage meaningfully with both the British and Polish communities in Leicester. Her support shaped the entire afternoon — we thank her a million times over for her incredible effort. It truly wouldn’t have been the same without her.
Thank You, Leicester
🇵🇱🇬🇧 Thank you — Dziękujemy, Leicester! Your presence, support, and openness made this event a powerful act of remembrance and unity.
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In cooperation with Aktywny Dialog Poland & Project Polska