News / Ukraine
Bristol marks Ukrainian Independence Day
A crowd gathered on College Green to commemorate 34 years of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union.
The events on Friday, organised by Bristol charity Ukraine Aid and Welfare, featured the Ukrainian flag being raised outside City Hall and performances from Ukrainian artists in Bristol Cathedral.
The organisers hoped to honour the culture and longstanding traditions of Ukraine and, in doing so, raise money for the Ukrainian School in Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
The charity aims to raise £15,000 to fund the school’s community education programmes for the upcoming academic year.
Ukrainians of all ages were celebrating independence day
“Ukrainian kids here, now, can’t speak Ukrainian,” said charity founder Antonina Grebeniuk.
“And this is exactly what they [Russia] want: to erase us. We can’t let that happen.
“We don’t want our country to be taken. Don’t erase us. Don’t erase our identity.”
Alongside the festivities, the crowd was also focused on paying their respects to those still fighting in the war with Russia.
“It is such a powerful day for us all”, said Grebeniuk.
“We all know we have fathers, brothers and any relatives in Ukraine who are our defendants. They are still fighting for our country and for our freedom.”
The congregation observed a two-minute silence for the Ukrainian lives that had been lost in the war.
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Speaking to the crowd on College Green, Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer said: “Bristol continues to stand by Ukraine. We will continue to stand by Ukraine.
“We, like all Ukrainians, want peace. But that peace has to be a just peace.
“It has to be a peace that recognises Ukraine, it recognises its territorial boundaries, it recognises its long tradition of existing as an independent nation.”
The SVITLO Choir performed a range of Ukrainian songs
The fundraising concert consisted of numerous traditional Ukrainian artists, including dancers, vocalists and traditional bandura performances.
Members of SVITLO Choir, a community group preserving Ukrainian folk music, emphasised the day’s importance, saying: “independence begins with love – a love for your homeland and where you belong.”
Ukraine Aid and Welfare were keen to amplify the voices of Ukrainians living both in Bristol and Ukraine, commenting on the strength of the shared community.
The crowd were proud to display their Ukrainian heritage
“Thank you to all Bristolians who help our Ukrainian families to feel safe,” said Grebeniuk.
“We are very proud to say that today we are in a safe country.”
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Grebeniuk added “Of course, we are still remembering our brave defenders who allowed us to say that Ukraine is still independent and in a whole piece.
“I hope it will remain in one whole piece. It’s how it should be.”
All photos: Rob Browne
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