The free event will take place in Town Gardens on Saturday 22nd August from 12pm to 7pm. More than 4,000 people attended last year’s festival and organisers expect thousands more to visit this year.
UkraineFest is being organised by Swindon Welcomes Ukraine in partnership with Swindon Borough Council.
This year’s event comes as plans continue for a formal twinning arrangement between Swindon and Rivne, a city in western Ukraine. The proposed partnership has received support from both councils and aims to promote cultural exchanges, education projects and community initiatives.
Visitors will be able to enjoy live performances from Ukrainian artists from across the United Kingdom, alongside authentic food, an art exhibition, a cultural market and family activities.
Children will be able to take part in creative workshops, enjoy a giant bubble show and use trampolines. A dedicated music zone will also give people the chance to try instruments and join informal music sessions.
A documentary photography project, Home with an Open Heart, will feature at the festival. The exhibition tells the stories of Ukrainian families and the people in Swindon who welcomed them when they arrived in the town.
Organisers are also planning a Parade of Freedom and Unity, with participants invited to carry national flags in a celebration of diversity and friendship.
Anastasiia Banatska, Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine and originally from Rivne, said:
“UkraineFest has always been a celebration of Ukrainian culture, identity and resilience, but this year it also represents something even more meaningful. The friendship between Swindon and Rivne has grown from acts of kindness shown by local people when Ukrainians first arrived here. To see that relationship developing into a formal partnership between our two communities is incredibly emotional and something many Ukrainians in Swindon are proud to celebrate.
“When we organised the first UkraineFest, we simply wanted to bring people together and celebrate our culture. To see it grow into what we believe could be the largest Ukrainian Independence Day celebration in the United Kingdom is remarkable. It shows the strength of the Ukrainian community and the incredible support we have received from the people of Swindon.
Kris Talikowski, Vice-Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, said:
“The proposed partnership with Rivne demonstrates how those relationships have matured into a genuine friendship between two communities. UkraineFest is a celebration of that journey, bringing together people from all backgrounds to celebrate culture, unity and the values that connect us.
“Swindon has welcomed more than 500 Ukrainians since the start of the full-scale invasion. The fact that our town may now host the largest Ukrainian Independence Day celebration in the country says a great deal about the compassion, generosity and community spirit that people here have shown over the last four years.”
More than 500 Ukrainians are now living in Swindon, supported by volunteers, host families, organisations and community groups.
Councillor Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“Swindon Borough Council continues to be proud to support this important event, which coincides with Ukrainian Independence Day. For me, the iconic backdrop of the Town Gardens is the perfect venue to showcase the culture, pride and community spirit across Swindon, in this particular case illustrated by our Ukrainian community.
The event rightly has drawn national praise for its authenticity and involvement of the wider community, and is one of, if not the largest of its kind in the UK.
“With the increased interest in Town Twinning in Swindon, exploring building bonds with places in Ukraine, most notably the city of Rivne, this is a great event to attend to celebrate the cultural fabric in Swindon.”
Organisers are encouraging residents from across the borough to attend the festival and learn more about Ukrainian culture while celebrating the growing friendship between Swindon and Rivne.
