The free festival, held on the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day, featured an afternoon of 35 different acts from across the South of the UK, spanning music, dance, and performance. Alongside the packed programme, food and drink vendors sold out completely as visitors enjoyed authentic Ukrainian dishes such as borscht and varenyky, as well as Slavic specialities.
Kris Talikowski, vice-chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine said,
“UkraineFest 2025 showed what can happen when communities come together – over 4,000 people in one place, sharing food, music, and friendship. It was our biggest and most powerful festival yet, and a reminder that Ukrainian culture is thriving here in Swindon. The support from local people has been overwhelming, and together we’ve created something truly special.”
Anastasiia Banatska, Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, added:
“This year’s UkraineFest was bigger, brighter, and braver than ever. More than 4,000 people came together to say: Ukrainian culture belongs here and it is thriving. The people of Swindon have opened their arms to us, and this festival was our way of giving something back, through food, music, and friendship. It was a day we will never forget.”
UkraineFest 2025 was supported by Swindon Borough Council’s Warm Welcome team, and South Swindon Parish Council, with backing from dozens of volunteers and local partners. Organisers said the event proved how far Swindon’s Ukrainian community has come since the first families arrived in 2022, and how the message of solidarity remains as urgent as ever.
