Hungarian House, London, 14 June 2025
The Association organised its competition for the sixth time, which this year became an international event. Participants and visitors arrived not only from across the UK but also from abroad.
The event was hosted at the Hungarian House in London, with the support of the Embassy of Hungary in London. We welcomed nearly 150 guests, including 41 competitors. All age groups were represented, from young children to older adults, each demonstrating their talent and commitment to Hungarian literature in their mother tongue.
This year also marked a special occasion: we commemorated the 120th anniversary of Attila József’s birth. To honour this memorial year—on the initiative of the Hungarian Culture and Heritage Society—we created a poetry video featuring the leaders of Hungarian cultural organisations operating in England, based on Attila József’s poem ‘For My Birthday’.
The competition was opened by Beáta Verbászi, President of the Association, who emphasised the importance of community cohesion and cultural preservation. Our goal is to strengthen the cohesion between Hungarian communities living and operating in the United Kingdom, and to bring together, under the umbrella of culture, all those for whom the preservation and nurturing of the mother tongue and the performing arts are paramount.
The performances were evaluated by a four-member professional jury:
- Beáta Verbászi – Radnóti and Kaleidoscope Award-winning performer, President of the Association of Hungarian Reciters in England
- Viktória Kumin – Radio host, writer
- Ákos Hajvert – Radnóti Award-winning reciter, Cultural Commissioner of the Executive Board of the MNT (Hungarian National Council)
- Fanni Sárosi – Community Diplomat
While the adult competition was underway, our educators welcomed children with interactive games and handicraft workshops. It was a joy to witness the excitement of creation and the blossoming of creativity. The children were able to take their finished works home, providing them with a lasting memento of the day. Following the competition performances, writer and drama educator Katalin Bozai held a drama session, where scenes from her storybook were brought to life through interactive games. During the event, participants also had the opportunity to view an exhibition of paintings by Verona Deák.
During the jury’s deliberation, participants were welcomed with a warm lunch, family-friendly programs, and cultural experiences.
The Gala Program of the VI. József Attila Poetry and Prose Recitation Contest in England featured two captivating guest performances. The London Hungarian School+ drama group presented the story of ‘Lúdas Matyi’ to great acclaim, directed by Orsi Antalóczy.
This was followed by an interactive poetry performance by Radnóti Award-winning guest artist Ákos Hajvert, who dazzled the audience with the collaboration of Hajnalka Fehér Farkas from the Hungarian Reciters’ Association of Vojvodina.
The day concluded with a formal awards ceremony. Thanks to our thirty-three sponsors, no one left empty-handed. For the first time in the history of the competition, the József Attila Award of England was won by an international contestant, and in the adult category, the jury awarded three first-place prizes.
Contest results
Winner of the József Attila Award of England: Noa Pálma Vajda
Audience Award: Lorcan Kurtaj
2025 Rising Talent: Lorcan Kurtaj
Children’s Category:
- Kern-Konyár Kornél
- Lajkó Jázmin
- Kurtaj Lorcan
Youth Category:
- Tornai Zalán
- Mészáros Sámuel
- Zack Flutur
Adult Category:
- Vajda Noa Pálma
- Antalóczy Orsolya
- Lajkóné Ambrus Mónika
- Kádárné Szász Hilda
- Simándi Klára
We would like to thank the following Hungarian weekend schools for their cooperation and for preparing their students:
London Hungarian School+
Mosoly Hungarian Infant and Nursery School London
Hungarian School Cambridge
Southend Hungarian School and Kindergarten
Birmingham Hungarian School and Cultural Centre
Kerek Egy Esztendő
Szóló Szőlő Hungarian School of Chester
We are deeply grateful to all our sponsors, volunteers, and participants for making this day unforgettable for the Hungarian community in England.
Special thanks to:
– The Embassy of Hungary in London for their cooperation and support;
– The professional jury for their conscientious work;
– Our sponsors for their generous contributions;
– The Green Turtle Production team for the photographs;
– Erika Gyügyei, Anita Tóth, Aliz Moussavi, Katalin Bozai, Helga Pintér, Ildikó Koltai, Tímea Kerékgyártóné Kasza, Endre Berta, and József Virág for their selfless help in making our event a success.
This day was not only a celebration of Hungarian poetry and prose but also of solidarity, community, and enthusiasm—and above all, a love for Hungarian culture.
We are proud of this wonderful community!
