A popular festival celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day with singing, dancing, food and culture will return to Swindon for its second year.

Ukraine Fest was first launched by the 'Swindon Welcomes Ukraine' group in 2023 to celebrate Ukraine's national day of independence on August 24.

The festival took over Old Town Gardens with colour, music and joy as Ukrainians who had fled to the UK due to the war against Russia came together to share their culture with Swindon locals.

After a successful first year, the festival will now return in 2024, bringing music, art workshops, Ukrainian cuisine and family activities to Old Town Gardens once again.

The 2024 Ukraine Fest will take place on Friday, August 23, a day before Ukrainian Independence Day, from noon until 8pm at Swindon's Old Town Gardens on Quarry Road.

"Ukraine Fest is more than just a festival," said a spokesperson for Swindon Welcomes Ukraine.

"It’s a unique opportunity to introduce the local community to Ukrainian talent, culture, and business, as well as to raise funds to support Ukraine.

"Last year, our festival welcomed over 1,500 guests, and this time we’re preparing something even more spectacular.

"We’re thrilled to have Igor Grohotsky, the winner of Ukrainian 'The Voice' 2014 and an artist who has shared the stage with Okean Elzy, performing on our stage.

"It’s going to be an unforgettable performance."

As well as music and live entertainment, workshops will include clay sculpting, bandura playing, coffee painting, and motanka dolls, with workshops priced at £5-10 and tickets available from the park on the day.

The overall festival will be free to enter, although members of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine will be accepting donations.

Since launching in March 2023, Swindon Welcomes Ukraine has achieved a lot of recognition for its work in the town.

Their bike project has seen more than 200 two-wheelers fixed up and donated to Ukrainians, while one member raised thousands of pounds for charity by walking from Swindon to Ben Nevis.

The group often organises social activities to bring the community together, but this will be their biggest event yet. 

"We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the local British community for their ongoing support for Ukraine," added a spokesperson for the organising committee.

"Your solidarity means the world to us."

It comes as Ukraine has continued its cross-border incursion of Russia, destroying a key bridge in the Kursk region and striking a second one nearby over the weekend.