25. July 2004.

Since 1997, Herend Porcelain Manufactory has been the principal sponsor of Hungary's oldest and most famous ball.

The nurturing of classical beauty and cultural values has an important role in the Manufactory's company culture.

The Ball is held every year on the Saturday that falls closest to Anna day, where also in the Reform era, Hungary's most distinguished artists and politicians would meet each summer.

One of the principal events of the evening is the beauty contest. This year, the crown was won by a 16 year old grammar school student from Keszthely, Eszter Tóth. The first lady-in-waiting of the ball queen was 18 year old Lívia Németh from Veszprém, while the second lady-in-waiting was 18 year old Mária Graffelner from Győr.
Eszter Tóth, besides the golden apple, could take home a 51 cm tall valuable Herend vase. The ladies-in-waiting were also given precious prizes by the chief sponsor, the Herend Porcelain Manufactory.
The 179th Anna Ball was opened by the Chancellory Minister, Péter Kiss and the mayor of Balatonfüred István Bóka. Among the guests were diplomats, public personalities, scientists and artists, such as actor and film director István Bujtor, and the President of the State Audit Office, Árpád Kovács.
Holiday makers were able to follow the events of the ball, which took place at the Móló Theatre, on a giant screen.