The launch of SYLA took place at Drink Valley bar in Old Town, where the venue was packed with members of Swindon’s Ukrainian community, local residents, councillors, businesses and volunteers.
The limited edition Ukrainian Pale Ale was brewed by Drink Valley, using a recipe inspired by Rivne Brewery and includes 20kg of Ukrainian honey.
Money raised through sales of the beer will support Swindon Welcomes Ukraine community projects and humanitarian charities working in Ukraine.
The evening also celebrated Ukrainian culture, with traditional food prepared by Phoenix Café in Cirencester and live performances of Ukrainian songs by singer
Guests were welcomed by Ian Howard and David Thrower, who spoke about how the brewing project had developed into a symbol of the growing relationship between Swindon and Rivne.
Host and committee member Ian Howard said:
“Fay and I have hosted 9 individuals from Ukraine since the war began. We feel that we cannot leave our spare bedrooms empty when there is such a need for safety and security for those affected by the war in Ukraine.
We have not expected anything in return but have, as a result, gained so much in terms of sharing their culture and widening our family to include these wonderful people”
Speaking on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, Deputy Leader Jake Chandler praised the partnership between the two communities. He said:
“It was wonderful to celebrate this latest chapter in the special bond Swindon has with its Ukrainian community. It really adds to the case for stronger ties to Rivne in Ukraine, which is supported wholeheartedly by the Council.
Kris Talikowski, Vice Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, reflected on how the community has grown since Ukrainian families first arrived in the town. He said:
“When the first families arrived in Swindon, nobody knew what the future would look like. What has happened since has been extraordinary.
Volunteers became friends, strangers became neighbours, and today we’re celebrating a partnership between two towns that simply wouldn’t have existed without the kindness shown by people across Swindon. SYLA isn’t just a beer, it’s a symbol of everything this community has achieved together.”
Leader of the Labour group in Swindon Jim Robbins attended and said:
“I was delighted to attend the launch of the Ukrainian beer. It was great to see the united support for both the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine team and the Council’s warm welcome team, as well as taste the amazing beer.
We are all exciting about the prospect of twinning with Rivne, and it is really positive to see such a unified cross-party approach. I really hope everyone will attend UkraineFest and keep Swindon as the most welcoming town for Ukrainians in the UK.”
The event concluded with guests raising a glass of SYLA together ahead of the cabinet meeting which will formally decide on the twinning of Swindon and Rivne.
The launch also comes just weeks before the return of UkraineFest on Friday 22nd August in the Town Gardens.
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