Ukrainian festival to 'shine a light' on conflict

Ukrainians, pictured here at last year's UkraineFest, will gather on Saturday for this year's event

One of Britain's biggest Ukrainian festivals is returning this weekend as organisers say the event will "shine a light" on the ongoing war.

Now in its third year, UkraineFest 2025 is taking place in Swindon, Wiltshire, on Saturday, the day before Ukrainian Independence Day. Last year more than 3,000 attended.

Kris Talikowski, from Swindon Welcomes Ukraine who are organising the event, said it is not "just a cultural festival, it's a message".

He added: "We shine a light on a war that has not ended, on families still suffering, on a nation still fighting."

This year's event is expected to shine a light on the ongoing war in Ukraine

More than 500 Ukrainians, who were fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have arrived in Swindon through the Homes for Ukraine scheme since 2022.

Former Ukrainian commander Grinchenko Volodymyr Mykolayovych will speak at the festival about those who have fought and died before leading a minute of silence. The Ukrainian flag will then be raised.

Swindon Welcomes Ukraine chairwoman, Anastasiia Banatska, said: "Many of us fled with nothing, but we built a life here in Swindon.

Swindon Welcomes Ukraine chairwoman, Anastasiia Banatska, said many Ukrainians fled their homes with nothing

"This festival shows that Ukrainian culture is not only alive, it is thriving.

"We are grateful to Britain and to the people of Swindon for welcoming us, but we are also united in saying Ukraine must remain whole and free," he added.

The free festival will be held at the Town Gardens in Old Town from 12:00 BST until 19:00.

As well as Ukrainian food, there will be bands, dancers, choirs, folk groups and cultural demonstrations.