Gloucester festival celebrates Ukrainian culture

The Sunflowers Wales dance group with the Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester

A festival celebrating Ukrainian culture has launched in Gloucestershire.

The Celebration of Ukrainian Culture is being held at the Folk of Gloucester in Westgate street from 13 to 27 April.

This festival aims to introduce the people of Gloucester to Ukrainian culture, said volunteer Robin Burton.

"It also aims to give refugees from the conflict in Ukraine, the opportunity to get together and be proud of their own culture."

The festival includes art exhibitions, photography, music, dance, drama, craft workshops, music workshops and more.

Concert highlights include the Kozachky Choir from Bristol, the opera singer Ohla Hornyck, the player of rare Ukrainian instruments Kobzar Jurij Fedenskyu and the bandura players, the Kalianova sister.

Sunflowers Wales Dance Group with Miserden Morris outside Gloucester Cathedral

In dance, there will be the Sunflowers Wales traditional Ukrainian dance group from Swansea.

Another highlight will be the "Untold Stories" youth drama, first premiered at the Everyman in Cheltenham, in which nine teenagers tell their story of leaving Ukraine and starting a new life in the UK.

"This festival aims to introduce the people of Gloucester to the incredible richness of Ukrainian culture," said Robin Burton, volunteer at The Folk of Gloucester.

"It also aims to provide everyone with as much joy as possible."

Entry to most of the events is free. However workshops and some concerts have entry by ticket only.