A FESTIVAL to celebrate the Polish community in Gwent is under threat.

Zuzka Hilton, who lives in Undy, moved to Britain in 2006 and helped to set up Cafe Ludek, in Mill Street, Newport last year.

“Britain is my home and has been for 12 years,” said Mrs Hilton.

“I love it here.

“I got involved with Koto Gospodyni Miejskiski Newport (Polish Women’s Institute) not so long ago and we thought we ought to do something to celebrate the community here.”

Mrs Hilton and the group then decided to organise a festival - Polish Day - to celebrate Polish culture and heritage at Tredegar Park on May 5.

“There must be thousands of Polish people living in Gwent,” she said.

“We are expecting thousands of people to come to the festival.

“The festival will also celebrate Poland regaining its independence 100 years ago this year. That is a big part of our history.”

But the festival’s fate has been thrown into doubt after its chief financier pulled out last week, leaving the group short of £3,800 for a stage.

Mrs Hilton said: “It is very upsetting because the festival would mean a lot to so many people.

“It cannot go ahead if we do not have a stage. The different acts will need a stage.

“We have worked out that a stage will cots £3,800 at the cheapest.

“We have enough money to fund the rest of the festival.”

The 37-year-old said she has now set up a JustGiving page and is appealing for donations to fund a stage.

“The line up will be full of dance and basketball clubs, and singers will be coming too.

“But they need a stage.

“I set up a Justgiving page because we have under a month before the festival should be happening.

“We need your help for the festival to be able to go ahead.”

To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/polish-day-festival-newport