“In Love Sparrow” – Lisewianie Triumph Again in Zbiczno!

The 21st Provincial Festival of Romantic Song “In Love Sparrow” took place in Zbiczno. This unique event, traditionally organized on the occasion of Valentine's Day, has for years gathered vocal talents from across the region. This year's edition began a new decade of the festival in the completely new, prestigious premises of the Municipal Cultural, Sports and Recreation Center (GOKSiR), which was opened in September last year.

Winners and Participants

14 vocal groups representing Kujawy, Pomorze, Warmia, and Mazury performed in the competition held on the new GOKSiR stage. Among them were:

• “Anibabki” from Kurzętnik
• “Rakowianki” from Rakowice
• “Złoty Krąg” from Bobrowo
• “Sami Swoi” from Obrowo
• “Torunianki” from Toruń
• “Złote Kłosy” from Jabłonowo Pomorskie
• “Radoszczanie” from Radoszki
• “Lisewianie” from Lisewo (Chełmno County) – two-time Grand Prix winners!
• “Wrzosy” from Lubawa
• “Pokrzydowianki” from Pokrzydowo
• “Nadwiślanie” from Dąbrowa Chełmińska
• “Bylebabki” from Łąkorz
• “Srebrny Włos” from Rypin
• “Unisławianki” from Unisław

The “In Love Sparrow” statuette, created by local sculptor Ryszard Wojtkiewicz, was awarded for the second time in the festival's history to the “Lisewianie” group from Lisewo, who once again delighted the jury and the audience.

Jury and Special Guests

The performances were judged by a three-person jury composed of: Barbara Wesołowska – a music teacher from the Fryderyk Chopin State Music School of the First Degree in Brodnica, Barbara Bigoś – a musician, accompanist, and member of the “Wesołe Kumoszki” group, and Andrzej Schuetz – a musician, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist.

Traditionally, the “Wesołe Kumoszki” (Merry Grannies), the main organizers of the event, welcomed guests with a musical recital. Among the honorary guests were long-time friends of the festival: Senator Ryszard Bober and MP Zbigniew Sosnowski.

Unforgettable Atmosphere and Support

The festival in Zbiczno is renowned for its exceptional, hospitable atmosphere. This year was no different – the organizers provided a warm meal for the participants, and ladies from the Rural Housewives' Circles and the School Council of Parents served sweet pastries and beverages in a special mini-cafe. The beautiful and comfortable interiors of the new GOKSiR further enhanced the unique aura of the event.

None of the groups left Zbiczno empty-handed. Each participant was honored with a statuette funded by Brodnica County. Awards were presented by: the head of Zbiczno commune, Magdalena Golubska, county councilor Roman Pytlasiński, and on behalf of the Brodnica district starost Arkadiusz Orłowski – county councilor Krzysztof Jasieniecki.

The event was organized by the “Wesołe Kumoszki” Group and the Head of Zbiczno Commune. The festival was co-financed by the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship Self-Government (Department of Agriculture and Geodesy of the Marshal's Office), Brodnica County, and Zbiczno Commune. The success of the festival is the result of combined efforts and passion for music.