Ukrainian national holiday celebrations in Weymouth today
Constitution Day marks an important moment in Ukrainian history.
Ukrainians are inviting people from Weymouth to join them in celebrating an important national holiday today.
Ukrainian Constitution Day takes place on Tuesday 28th June, but it is being celebrated today outside the Jubilee Clock from 11am.
There will be Ukrainian flags, bunting and banners, and children are due to sing in Ukrainian in traditional dress.
Weymouth Town Council is lending its support to an event being organised by Ukrainian members of the community living in the town who want to thank residents who have done so much to help and support them over the past few months.
Among them is Maryna Dovbysh who came to Weymouth through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme earlier this year.
She was on holiday with her family when the war started. Her husband joined the military and is currently working in a hospital in their hometown.
Maryna said:
"We came as refugees because I think that it's a safe country and here my kids are going to feel really safe.
"It's really important to celebrate Ukrainian Constitution Day because we are very grateful that our kids can go to school and we have all we need. A lot of Ukrainians are still suffering there and I think we need to talk more about it and show who Ukrainians are.
"I'm also happy that British people will see that we are normal good eople. We are very of-the-kind and we can do a lot of good things. That's why I would like people to know more about us."
The event takes place on Sunday 26th June between 11am and 1pm at Weymouth’s Jubilee Clock. Members of the public are invited to join the family-friendly event which is being organised ahead of a national holiday in Ukraine on Tuesday 28th June called Constitution Day.
Cllr Ann Weaving, Mayor of Weymouth, said: “It was a special moment when Weymouth residents came together earlier in the year to hold a vigil at the Jubilee Clock in support of the people of Ukraine. Weymouth still stands with Ukraine and this Sunday’s event is a chance to join together once more and meet members of the Ukrainian community living in Weymouth.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing the children in traditional dress singing songs of Ukraine and hope to welcome many members of the community to the event.”
In March Weymouth Town Council helped organise a vigil at the Jubilee Clock so that Weymouth residents could come together and show their support for the people of Ukraine. The clock was also lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag as a visual symbol of support.