Polish-Scottish Mini Festival 2026 – an interdisciplinary celebration marking nine years of cultural dialogue in Aberdeen
Music, film, dance and the art of memory come together once again in the Polish-Scottish Mini Festival 2026 – an interdisciplinary celebration marking nine years of cultural dialogue in Aberdeen. Organised by the Polish Association Aberdeen, the festival will run from January to March 2026, inviting audiences from across Scotland and beyond to experience a rich programme that brings Polish and Scottish cultures into meaningful conversation.
For nearly a decade, the Polish-Scottish Mini Festival has shown that community can be built on openness, mutual respect and shared creativity. Many Poles have made Aberdeen their home, contributing actively to the city’s cultural and social life. The festival celebrates Aberdeen as a city of choice – welcoming Scottish neighbours, friends and collaborators to explore Polish culture, while also encouraging visitors from other regions to discover the Granite City through art and shared experiences.
The 2026 programme spans visual arts, genre-defying music, dance, film and jazz, offering events for a wide and diverse audience.
The Art of Memory at Aberdeen Central Library
One of the most important elements of the festival is the exhibition
“Photographic Plates of Memory – Labyrinths by Marian Kołodziej”, presented at Aberdeen Central Library from 12 January to 13 February 2025.
The exhibition features drawings by Marian Kołodziej, a survivor of the first transport to KL Auschwitz, who spent over five years in German concentration camps. For more than half a century after the war, Kołodziej remained silent about his experiences. Only after suffering a stroke in 1992 did he begin working on the powerful series “Memory Plates. Labyrinths”, a deeply moving visual record of trauma, memory and survival.
An exhibition talk will take place on 26 January 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Aberdeen Central Library.
Polish-Scottish Ceilidh – Dancing and Celebrating Together
The most integrative event of the festival will be the Polish-Scottish Ceilidh, taking place on
Saturday, 31 January 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Pittodrie Stadium.
Celebrating the birthday of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, the evening will feature both Scottish and Polish traditional dances, live music by the ceilidh band Danse MaCabre, and a shared feast of Scottish classics (haggis, neeps and tatties) alongside traditional Polish dishes. It promises to be a joyful night of movement, music and cultural exchange.
Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/polish-scottish-ceilidh-tickets-1653031294099
Shanties and Maritime Traditions
On Friday, 6 February 2026 at 7:30 p.m., the Mechanics Shanty band and the Polish-Scottish Song Group will perform at the Newton Dee Phoenix Centre.
Mechanics Shanty are legends of the Polish shanty scene, founded in Gdynia in 1985. Their music blends traditional sailing songs with influences from Irish folk, bluegrass, country and blues. They will be joined by the Polish-Scottish Song Group, coordinated by the Elphinstone Institute at the University of Aberdeen, which performs sea songs from both countries, reflecting their shared maritime heritage. The group has previously performed at events including the Tall Ships Races.
Weljar & Circle of Embers – A Ritual of Sound and Light
On 13 February 2026 at 7:30 p.m., audiences are invited to a unique audiovisual experience with Weljar & Circle of Embers.
Weljar is a Polish music project inspired by Proto-Slavic culture, shamanism and a deep connection with nature, blending folk and ambient sounds into a ritual-like performance that goes beyond the traditional concert format. The evening will open with a striking LED and dance performance by Circle of Embers from Edinburgh, creating a powerful visual atmosphere for the night.
Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/polish-scottish-mini-festival-2026-weljar-tickets-1735585245189
Weekend of Polish Cinema with IFF Tofifest
From 26–28 February 2026, the festival will host a Weekend of Polish Cinema in collaboration with the Tofifest International Film Festival, known for its bold and alternative programming.
A special guest of this year’s film programme will be Wojciech Smarzowski, one of Poland’s most acclaimed contemporary filmmakers. Renowned for his uncompromising style, raw realism and sharp critique of society and history, Smarzowski’s films provoke strong emotions and public debate. His work includes The Wedding, The Dark House, The Rose, The Road, Volhynia, Clergy, The Wedding (2021) and The Good House (2025).
Jazz Finale with Paulina Przybysz
The festival will conclude on 7 March 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lemon Tree, in partnership with the Aberdeen Jazz Festival.
Headlining the evening is Paulina Przybysz – singer, composer and co-founder of the iconic Polish duo Sistars. Known for her distinctive voice and her fusion of soul, R&B, jazz and electronica, she will present material from her album Insides, exploring themes of emotion, physicality, motherhood and authenticity.
The concert will open with Estuary Trio, featuring Aberdeen-based saxophonist Matthew Kilner and guitarist Graeme Stephen, joined by Lebanese double bassist Elie Afif.
Special Event – Kazik
The organisers also announce a special concert by Kazik Staszewski, taking place on
Sunday, 13 September 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lemon Tree. The event was postponed from March 2026 due to the artist’s illness.
Kazik is an icon of Polish alternative music and one of the most influential songwriters in Polish rock history. Known for his sharp, ironic social and political commentary, his work reflects independence of thought and a critical view of reality. His music continues to resonate with multigenerational audiences seeking both energy and reflection.
Tickets:
https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/polish-scottish-mini-festival-2026-kazik/
Key Dates:
- 12 Jan – 13 Feb 2025 – Photographic Plates of Memory – Labyrinths by Marian Kołodziej, Aberdeen Central Library
- 26 Jan 2025, 6:00 p.m. – Exhibition talk, Aberdeen Central Library
- 31 Jan 2026, 6:00 p.m. – Polish-Scottish Ceilidh, Pittodrie Stadium
- 6 Feb 2026, 7:30 p.m. – Mechanics Shanty & Polish-Scottish Song Group, Newton Dee Phoenix Centre
- 13 Feb 2026, 7:30 p.m. – Weljar & Circle of Embers, Unit 51
- 26–28 Feb 2026 – Weekend of Polish Cinema with IFF Tofifest
- 7 Mar 2026, 7:30 p.m. – Paulina Przybysz & Estuary Trio, Lemon Tree
- 13 Sept 2026, 6:00 p.m. – Kazik, Lemon Tree
Building Bridges Through Culture
The Polish-Scottish Mini Festival 2026 is more than a series of artistic events—it is a long-term cultural initiative that builds bridges between communities. For nine years, the festival has strengthened the presence of Polish culture in Scotland while inviting audiences to experience art together, without barriers or divisions. Its diverse programme offers something for dedicated culture lovers as well as for those seeking connection, conversation and a genuine sense of shared community.
For more information, visit www.polscotfest.co.uk and follow:
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