Spirit of Ukraine celebrated with songs and cakes

Ukrainians mark the country's independence day in Bristol

A special event was held in Bristol earlier to celebrate Ukrainian spirit ahead of the country's independence day on Sunday.

The celebration began with a flag raising ceremony on College Green, followed by a concert in Bristol Cathedral.

A charity bake sale was also organised to raise funds for a Saturday school that teaches Ukrainian children the country's language and traditions.

Antonina Grebeniuk, founder of the charity Ukraine Aid and Welfare, said: "It's about Ukrainian spirit. We're all together, all united, and this means a lot for the community."

Ukraine's Independence Day marks 34 years of freedom from the Soviet Union.

Ukrainian singers perform at Bristol Cathedral ahead of independence day

Ukraine Aid and Welfare supports humanitarian projects in the country as well as the Saturday school in Bristol.

The charity is currently trying to raise £15,000 for Ukraine School Bristol.

"It's so important when you are abroad, to still have this community, to feel the spirit, to have this identity," said Ms Grebeniuk.

The concert featured performances from from acclaimed Ukrainian artist Eka i Bandura and the Svitlo choir.

"We as a nation love singing," continued Ms Grebeniuk. "Our songs are about everything – love, pain, everything."

Ukrainian cakes were on sale to raise money for the Ukrainian School in Bristol

Yana, one of the choir members, said the word "svitlo" means light. The choir's motto is "light always overcomes darkness".

"We believe that kindness always defeats evil and, as a choir, we spread this Ukrainian soul into the heart of everyone that listens to us," Yana said.

"Independence is very important for us Ukrainians, especially right now when our sovereignty is being destroyed.

"It's very important to tell people abroad that we exist and our culture is different. We're very proud to be able to show our culture."

Yana said being a refugee was "a difficult situation" and that it was "very nice to have a piece of home somewhere where you live, even though you're abroad".

Olene, who is also part of the choir, said: "We are glad to be here and show the reach of our culture and our traditions. We absolutely appreciate British people for their support."