Ukraine event brings together locals and new arrivals in celebration of culture

Members of Stirling’s Ukrainian community joined together with locals to take part in an event showcasing the very best in the country’s culture.

The social event, held at the city’s Holy Trinity Church, was aimed at uniting Ukrainians who have recently been displaced here following the Russian invasion of the country earlier this year and was also designed as a thanks to Scots who have offered a warm welcome.

It followed a march through Stirling held last week to mark the country’s independence day and the six-month date from the beginning of the invasion.

There were plenty of tasty treats on offer (Julia Strang)

The event was organised by Stirling University student Helen Padberg, who moved to Scotland from the country 14 years ago.

Among the entertainment on the day included a raffle, a photo zone and authentic Ukrainian braiding, while visitors also had the chance to taste some delicious traditional cuisine from the country.

The Ukrainian national colours were prominent throughout the evening (Julia Strang)

There was also the opportunity to sample and purchase some Ukrainian items, including amulet dolls, handmade jewellery and candles and paintings.

The event raised £1,349 in just three hours for the Prytula Foundation charity which provides on the ground support and was picked by the Ukrainians in attendance as the best cause to receive the money gathered.

Helen told the Observer: “It was fantastic, we didn’t think we would have as many people turning up as did.

Activities including face painting were available for visitors of all ages (Julia Strang)

“From about 6-7.30pm, the hall was just full of people and it was really hectic but it was great to see.

“It was a real mix of people, we had Ukrainian refugees here, there were other Ukrainians who have been here and also lots of Scottish people of all ages and what was really touching was that a lot of them wore blue and yellow to show their support.

It was designed as a means of bringing both the Ukrainian community and locals together (Julia Strang)

“It worked as a gathering to help people come together and we also prepared displays of what had happened to our country and we had an area where every Ukrainian stuck a little heart up on the map to show what part of the country they were from.”

She added: “One woman who comes from Luhansk actually got in touch with me afterwards because she had seen a couple of other hearts stuck there and knew there were other people in Stirling from there so wanted to meet them.”

All photos courtesy of Julia Strang Photography.