Located on one of our prime festival sites, opposite the Southbank Centre, the New European Village area highlights cultures from Central and Eastern European countries that have joined the European Union in the last ten years.  For 2011 the countries taking part will be Romania, Hungary and Poland.

Hungary will be bringing an exhibition from the Blue-Dyeing Museum (KékfestÅ‘ Múzeum) in the historical town of Pápa. There are only nine artisans in Hungary who still work in the traditional way to produce goods dyed the distinctive indigo blue, so this is a rare chance to see this activity outside of the country.

The Romanian Cultural Institute has teamed up with the award-winning Romanian Peasant Museum for this year, with the main focus on Romanian pottery. Pottery is a tradition rooted deep into Romanian history, it’s all handmade and they use natural, unique tools to produce traditional bowls, plates, vases in various and surprising ways. The colours used by traditional Romanian potters are of natural origin, there will be pottery workshops, for children and adults, a pottery exhibition and original designs for sale.

Poland will show John Farnworth, the Football Freestyle World Champion, who will be demonstrating his skills to entice football fans to visit Poland during the Euro 2012. The public will also be able to try a virtual game staged in the new PGE Arena in Gdansk. Other delights on show at the Polish stands will include amber jewellery products, a presentation of the best attractions of Warmia and Masuria region showcased in 3-D, clay sculpture workshops and regional food specialities. There will be lots of free gifts, postcards and brochures presenting the tourist attractions of Polish cities and landscapes.

The European Commission's office in London will offer free publications on how the EU affects you in your daily lives next to fun filled booklets for children and its popular quiz.

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