LIVERPOOL PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE HEROES OF 1956 – A HISTORIC COMMEMORATION MARKING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REVOLUTION
Liverpool, 23 October 2026
Seventy years after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, Hungarian and British dignitaries, diplomatic representatives, heritage organisations and members of the Hungarian community living in the United Kingdom gathered in Liverpool to pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom. To mark this historic anniversary, a permanent memorial plaque was also unveiled in the heart of the city, commemorating the approximately 2,500 people who lost their lives during the revolution.
Seventy Years On, the Memory of Freedom Still Unites Us
Liverpool hosted an event of outstanding historical and community significance to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence.
The commemorative event aimed to pay fitting tribute to all those who fought for Hungary’s freedom and independence, and against communist dictatorship in the autumn of 1956.
During the revolution, students, workers, soldiers and ordinary citizens raised their voices in protest, with many taking up arms against Soviet oppression. The struggle for freedom came at a terrible human cost, and following the suppression of the revolution, hundreds of thousands of Hungarians were forced to flee their homeland.
Seventy years on, the Hungarian community across the Liverpool City Region sought to create a lasting memorial that would not only serve as a reminder of the tragedy of the past, but also represent the enduring values of national unity, solidarity and self-determination.
The Storm Changed the Programme, but Not the Dignity of the Commemoration.
According to the original plans, the centrepiece of the commemorative event was to be the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the victims of 1956 in Liverpool’s St John’s Gardens.
St. John's Gardens Liverpool
The exact location of the memorial plaque can be found under the “Heritage Places” section.
However, extremely adverse weather conditions, including gale-force winds and heavy rainfall, made it necessary to completely reorganise the programme.
With the safety of invited guests and participants as their priority, the organisers decided to move the entire commemorative event to the historic St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
As a result, the official unveiling and ceremonial presentation of the memorial plaque did not take place.
However, as the weather later improved, visitors were given the opportunity to personally visit and view the memorial stone at its outdoor location.
Although the storm significantly altered the original plans, it did nothing to diminish the historical significance or dignity of the collective act of remembrance.
Clarify the plaque and stone distinctionReduce repetition of weather details
Diplomatic Tribute and Historical Testimony
The event was given added significance by the presence among the guest speakers of Dr. vitéz lemhényi báró Zsigmond András, a personal eyewitness to the events of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
His presence created a living link between the historic events of seventy years ago and the generations of today.
Speeches were also delivered by Judit Várhelyi, Hungary’s Consul General in Manchester, and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
The joint presence of representatives of Hungarian diplomacy and Liverpool’s civic leadership highlighted the historic friendship between the two nations, their mutual respect and the importance of shared remembrance.
The speeches provided a fitting setting for paying tribute to the heroes and victims of 1956, while also serving as a reminder that freedom, human dignity and national self-determination are universal values.
A Bilingual Commemoration and a Spiritual Tribute
The anniversary commemoration was conducted in both Hungarian and English, ensuring that members of the Hungarian community and British guests alike could fully participate in the programme.
The Hungarian-language proceedings were hosted by Márta Grund, while the English-language introductions and presentation of the programme were delivered by Natália Grund.
Their coordinated contributions helped ensure the smooth running of the event and enabled its historical message to reach representatives of both nations in a fitting manner.
The spiritual and moral dimension of the occasion was further enriched by the Reverend Zoltán Sáfrány, a Reformed Church minister, who delivered a commemorative address in both Hungarian and English before offering a blessing to those present.
His ministry, alongside the act of historical remembrance, also drew attention to the importance of faith, peace and human solidarity.
Commemorative Music and a Moving Performance by a Young Talent
The elevated atmosphere of the anniversary celebrations was enriched by special musical and literary performances, evoking Hungarian national identity, patriotism and the ideals of freedom.
The musical contribution came from Andrea Kolarics, an operetta singer, who opened the ceremony with a moving rendition of the Hungarian National Anthem, setting a solemn and dignified tone for the collective act of remembrance.
At the heart of the programme, one of the best-known and most moving works in Hungarian musical history, “Hazám, hazám” from Ferenc Erkel’s opera Bánk bán, was performed. The aria conveyed deep emotions of patriotism and loyalty to the nation, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The ceremony concluded with Andrea Kolarics performing Szózat, providing a fitting finale to this historic act of remembrance.
One of the most touching moments of the programme was the appearance of just eight-year-old Fülöp Lelle Sáfrány, who recited Sándor Petőfi’s poem “Föltámadott a tenger” (The Sea Has Risen).
The young performer’s contribution carried particular symbolic significance: one of the best-known revolutionary poems in Hungarian literature was brought to life through the voice of a representative of a new generation, symbolising the continuing legacy of our shared history.
The artistic performances did more than simply enrich the event; they became an integral part of the commemoration, bringing together history, culture and the enduring values of national identity.
The Message of the Memorial Plaque – 2,500 Lives, 2,500 Stories
The black granite memorial plaque installed in Liverpool serves as a lasting tribute to the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, as well as to the approximately 2,500 people who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom.
The English inscription on the memorial plaque reads as follows:
“This memorial stone was erected in honour of the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, which began on 23 October 1956, and in memory of the 2,500 victims who gave their lives in the struggle against tyranny, defying all adversity and overwhelming odds, in the hope of a better future in which the Soviet Union would no longer exist and a free homeland would be secured for all Hungarians.”
“Erected by the Hungarian diaspora living in the Liverpool City Region, 23 October 2026.”
The inscription is more than a reflection on history; it also conveys a clear message to present and future generations. It reminds us that the heroes of 1956 were not simply protesting against a political system, but fighting for a Hungary in which freedom, national independence and human dignity would be fundamental values.
The memorial carries particular significance because it was erected on behalf of the Hungarian diaspora living in the Liverpool City Region. This gesture demonstrates how national memory can unite communities regardless of geographical borders.
The Historical Legacy of Hungarian–British Friendship
The memory of the 1956 Revolution holds a special place in the history of relations between Hungary and Britain.
Following the suppression of the revolution, Britain welcomed thousands of Hungarian refugees, many of whom found a new home, employment and security here.
The solidarity shown by British society at the time remains an important part of the shared historical memory of both nations.
The memorial plaque in Liverpool therefore pays tribute not only to the victims of the Hungarian struggle for freedom, but also symbolises the historic friendship between the two peoples.
It also serves as a reminder that freedom, human dignity and national self-determination are values that transcend national borders.
The organisation of the anniversary commemoration, together with the creation and installation of the memorial plaque, was undertaken through the community efforts of the Hungarian English Cultural Society (HECS CIC), with the support of the Hungarian Consulate General in Manchester.
Members of the United Kingdom Chapter of the Vitézi Rend, together with members of the First Hungarian Hussar Regiment in the United Kingdom, also contributed to the preparations and the running of the event.
Special thanks go to all those who generously devoted their time and energy to ensuring that, despite the unexpected circumstances, the commemoration could still take place in a fitting and dignified manner.
Recognition is also due to the team at Linda’s Cakery Southport, who provided the catering for the indoor reception.
The collective effort once again demonstrated that, for Hungarians living in the United Kingdom, preserving our historical memory is not merely a tradition, but a shared responsibility and a source of unity that brings the community together.
Seventy Years On, the Legacy of Freedom Lives On
Seventy years have passed since, in October 1956, young Hungarians, workers, soldiers and ordinary citizens stood up against dictatorship and Soviet oppression.
The military suppression of the revolution could not erase the moral legacy that those who fought for freedom passed on to future generations.
The anniversary commemoration held in Liverpool was dedicated to preserving and passing on this legacy.
Although the ceremonial unveiling of the memorial plaque could not take place due to the adverse weather conditions, the collective act of remembrance and tribute to history was nevertheless fulfilled.
The memorial plaque installed in Liverpool will now stand not only as a tribute to the victims of the 1956 Revolution, but also as a lasting symbol of the Hungarian community’s unity, its commitment to preserving historical memory, and the enduring friendship between Hungary and Britain.
For the historical heritage of a nation is not simply part of its past. It is a responsibility that every generation must pass on to those who follow.
2,500 Lives. 2,500 Stories. One Nation’s Memory.
Tribute to the Heroes and Victims of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence!
Their memory lives on forever.
1956–2026 | 70 Years – The Memory of Freedom Knows No Borders.
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