Blackpool remembers welcome given to 200 Hungarian refugees 70 years on
Hungarian officials joined a wreath-laying ceremony at the Winter Gardens
Blackpool's welcome for 200 Hungarian refugees has been commemorated 70 years on with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Winter Gardens.
Members of the Hungarian government joined officials from Blackpool Council for the event.
Why Blackpool welcomed Hungarian refugees
On 23rd October 1956, the Hungarian people rose against Soviet repression in a struggle for freedom and independence.
When the revolution was crushed, many were forced to leave their homes.
Men, women and children fled Hungary in late 1956.
Blackpool offered homes and opportunities to 200 of them to rebuild their lives.
According to Blackpool Council, this cemented a lasting friendship between the town and the Hungarian people.
In 1957, those who made a new home in Blackpool gave a performance of thanks at the Winter Gardens.
It was held to acknowledge the hospitality shown to them and to raise money for the then-Mayor of Blackpool's charity fund.
The wreath-laying ceremony
A blue plaque commemorating the welcome was unveiled in the Winter Gardens in 2021.
Officials from the Hungarian government visited again to lay a wreath on the 70th anniversary of the revolution.
Blackpool Council's deputy leader, Cllr Jane Hugo, and chief executive, Neil Jack, were joined by Hungary's State Secretary György Heidl and the Consul General of Hungary in Manchester, Judit Varhelyi.
Blackpool Tower was later illuminated in the colours of the Hungarian flag - red, white and green.
The council said this year's wreath-laying honours those who suffered in 1956, the resilience of those who came to Blackpool and the generosity of those who welcomed them.
What they said
Cllr Hugo said:
"In 1956 Blackpool became a place of refuge for Hungarians who were forced to leave their homes. Our town offered shelter, friendship and the opportunity to begin rebuilding their lives.
"We're proud of the welcome given, and of the contribution people from many countries continue to make to Blackpool's life. This ceremony was an opportunity to remember those who suffered, and to reaffirm the friendship and compassion that meant so much 70 years ago."
Ms Varhelyi said:
"For Hungary, remembrance in Blackpool is also an act of gratitude. The Hungarian refugees who arrived here needing help returned only months later to the Winter Gardens to give something back, raising money for the Mayor's charity. Blackpool had offered them shelter; they answered with music. Seventy years on, that friendship is still remembered."