This year's nationwide campaign, run by Jurek Owsiak's foundation, carries the slogan "Healthy Tummies for Our Children." The money it raises will go to buy equipment for diagnostic and digestive disease wards serving the youngest patients. In Poznań, teams large and small will run artistic events, auctions, first aid workshops, and, above all, serve as a base camp for volunteers heading out into town bearing collection boxes.
Expect most activity around the Poznań International Fair grounds, where the energetic Ławica team, led by Tamara Briańska, is organising events. "We'll be active in the East Hall, the PCC hall, and on PEWUKI Square. Workshops and demonstrations kick off at 10 a.m. in the PCC pavilion. There'll be a full-day animation zone for children, featuring theatre performances, while adults can join in the auctions," she explains.
The main stage will be on General National Exhibition Square, hosting concerts - a highlight of every Grand Finale of the Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity. This year's acts include rock'n'roll band Żuki, blues-rockers Boogie Chili, synth-alternative group Glasspop, glam-metal outfit Vain Train, Poland's veteran artist Piotr Kuźniak, and hip-hop and rap performers donGURALesko and 52 Dębiec.
A special highlight of the evening will be the first public performance of the Poznań finale anthem, written a few years ago but never performed live until now. The song will be accompanied by the official Air Force Orchestra, conducted by Lt. Col. Paweł Joks. At 8 p.m., a "light to the sky" will be launched from the MTP grounds. In Poznań, it is known as "Tytka z glancem" - a paper bag lit from within by a phone or torch.
Naturally, Poznań's Grand Finale won't be confined to Ławica alone. Every year, a major team is based at the Poznań University of Technology, with dozens smaller squads spread across clubs, cultural centres, institutions, and businesses. All are driven by people passionate about making a difference. Across 33 finales, the Orchestra has raised nearly PLN 2.6 billion and purchased more than 80,000 medical device units.
Szymon Mazur
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2026
