Ukraine Independence Day to be celebrated in Salisbury

An event's planned in the Guildhall Square on Saturday (24th August)

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 22nd Aug 2024

Salisbury will mark Ukraine's Independence Day this weekend (Saturday 24th August) with an event in the Guildhall Square.

The city's Ukrainian Community United (UCU) group is being supported by Salisbury City Council and the local Community Hub for Ukraine to put on activities.

A charity fair will be held from 10.00am to 3.00pm, with proceeds going to Ukrainian causes, along with traditional Ukrainian music and dance, cuisine and baked goods.

At 11.00am, the day will also include a small ceremony with the Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Sven Hocking, and local council representatives.

The Guildhall will also be flying the national flag of Ukraine on the day.

Oksana Prokopiv, Co-Founder and Director of UCU, said:

“We want to share our culture and identity, our hospitality and open hearts, and showcase the talents and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“With this event, we want to thank all the British people for their unwavering support. We aim to tell the world that Ukraine is a strong, free and independent nation that has an extremely rich culture and deep history and traditions.”

The Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Sven Hocking, said:

“Ukrainian Independence Day celebrates the Act of Independence formally ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament on 24th August 1991 after the end of the Soviet Union.

“Now, 33 years later, we are witnessing a hard-fought battle to ensure that Ukraine remains as an independent nation. We can only hope this war is brought to an end, so those displaced can return to their homes and rebuild their lives and country.”

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