Hemel Hempstead-based author Renata Kolas (R.B. Kolas) is bringing together Polish and British writers, artists and musicians for Polish Artists Showcase (PAS), a free cultural festival taking place in Hertfordshire on 14 November 2026.
Founded and organised by Renata, PAS grew from an idea to create a space where Polish artists living and creating in the UK could present their work not only to the Polish community, but also to a wider British audience.
Under the theme “Two Languages, One Culture”, the festival will feature literature in Polish and English, visual arts, photography, poetry, live interviews, discussion panels and music.
Cllr Michal Siewniak, Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, will attend the festival, while British cartoonist and illustrator Simon Ellinas will be the Guest of Honour. Literary Waves Publishing will also be represented, with British poet M. Anne Alexander among those attending.
The daytime programme will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm, followed by live music from 5pm to 7pm.
PAS will take place at the Focolare Centre for Unity, 69 Parkway, Welwyn Garden City. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Although the festival takes place in Welwyn Garden City, its founder and director is a Hemel Hempstead resident, making PAS a Hertfordshire cultural initiative with a strong local connection.
Renata said:
“I wanted PAS to be more than an event for the Polish community. The idea is to create a place where Polish and British artists and audiences can meet through literature, art and music. We may use two languages, but culture gives us a shared space — and that is what ‘Two Languages, One Culture’ means to me.”
Visitors will be able to meet writers and artists, discover books in both Polish and English, see visual art and photography, listen to poetry and live music, and take part in a day designed to bring communities together through creativity.
Polish Artists Showcase
Saturday 14 November 2026
Focolare Centre for Unity, 69 Parkway, Welwyn Garden City
10.30am–7pm
Free admission