As an expansion of the tradition-preserving and community-building activities of the Hungarian Culture and Heritage Society, the Hungarian Poetry Reciters Association in England was established in January 2017.
Our goal is to nurture and keep alive the Hungarian mother tongue among Hungarians living in the United Kingdom. We are committed to promoting Hungarian literature across all generations living here and to establishing close cooperation with weekend Hungarian schools.
We strive to discover as many talented poetry reciters as possible and provide opportunities to perform at Hungarian-language cultural events held in the United Kingdom.
Our mission is to establish local poetry reciter associations and workshops in as many British cities as possible. Through their active work, these groups will promote this form of performing arts and play a community-building role among young people and adults with similar interests.
“You know well, the poet never lies: tell the truth, not just the reality, the light from which our mind shines, for without each other we are in darkness.”
Attila József
Every year, we hold our poetry and prose recitation competition in the heart of London, at the Hungarian Culture House located on Trafalgar Square. Showcase your performing talent, make new friends, and enrich yourself with an unforgettable experience at this all-day event dedicated to lovers of poetry!
Competitors must prepare one poem by József Attila in Hungarian, as well as a second poem or prose text freely chosen from universal Hungarian literature.
From the memorised texts, each competitor must perform one by heart on stage in front of the audience and jury. The jury may request the performance of the second text.
Maximum duration: 5 minutes.
Our competition is open to all age groups – no matter how old you are, you can confidently take the stage and challenge yourself with us!
The performances are evaluated by a professional jury, who are connected through various channels to Hungarian literature, performing arts, and supporting the Hungarian diaspora.
We believe it is important that participants leave not only with great experiences but also with valuable surprises. Therefore, every contestant receives a gift—no one goes home empty-handed!
The top three winners in each category receiving valuable prizes. The overall winner of the competition is awarded the prestigious József Attila Prize of England.
The most talented contestants are also given opportunities to perform at our foundation’s cultural events—because talent belongs on stage!
Would you like to contribute to our competition with a donation in kind?
Click the Support button to learn more.
This event is made possible year after year thanks to the tireless work of volunteers, the generosity of our sponsors, and the support of the Hungarian Embassy in London.
The 6th Attila József Poetry and Prose Recitation Competition in the UK, held in 2025, was made possible with the support of, among others, the Bethlen Gábor Fund.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 May 2026
COMPETITION DATE
To be announced in Spring 2026
APPLICATION FEE
Free of charge
COMPETITION VENUE
To be announced in Spring 2026
CONTACT
amve@hchs.org.uk