Celebrate Ukraine Independence Day on 24 August

Ukrainians who have made their home in west Norfolk will be marking their country’s annual independence day on 24 August – and everyone is invited to join their free celebration of culture.

With the help of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, they are staging a small event in the Tuesday Market Place that will feature crafts, culture and song.

Supported by Stories of Lynn, the event will also showcase some of the borough’s long trading links with countries across northern Europe.

The borough’s cabinet member for tourism, events and marketing, Cllr Simon Ring, said:

“This borough has a long and proud tradition of links with people from across Europe. Most recently we have started to welcome refugees from Ukraine.

“Independence Day is a special day in the Ukrainian calendar and we are delighted to support our newest community to celebrate an event that unfortunately they cannot celebrate at home, as I am sure they would wish to, and to help them share aspects of their culture with their west Norfolk hosts.”

The event will include two hours of free crafts and activities, such as making friendship bracelets using an ancient binding technique and making a traditional board game. There will also be face painting, Ukrainian trinkets for sale and a raffle of small gifts. There will be informal entertainment from Ukrainians who will dance, sing and recite poetry on stage. At 6.30pm there will be a 30-minute programme of singing to conclude the event.

Marina Jaivoronoc, who is a Ukrainian resident of west Norfolk and support worker in the council’s refugee welcome centre, and is helping to organise the event, said:

“It is very important for Ukrainian people, who escaped the war in foreign country, not only to feel safe, but feeling the part of their native community, and to share the piece of their culture. On the Ukrainian Independence Day, we try to show everyone, how much we do love our motherland and share this love with you.”