A popular and vibrant festival celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day returned to Swindon.

Following the success of the first event last year with over 1,500 attendees, the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine group hosted their second Ukraine Fest at Town Gardens on August 23, ahead of the national day of independence on August 24.

From 12pm to 8pm, the park was filled with music, including a performance from the winner of the Ukrainian version of 'The Voice' Igor Grohotsky, dancing, art, food and stalls, welcoming crowds of people celebrating Ukrainian culture and enjoying the sunshine.

One of the performances from Swindon Ukraine Fest showcasing and celebrating Ukrainian culture at Old Town Gardens pic.twitter.com/iaeTtMhYZf

Kris Talikowski is the vice chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, which launched in March 2023 to help Ukrainians who were forced to flee their country due to the war against Russia and support their integration into the local community, as well as help the local community to develop their knowledge of Ukrainian culture.

Kris said: “It’s really good to build on last year and show Swindon our community. We bring in performers from across the South West and it’s wonderful to showcase food, drink, music and art. Everything is great fun.

Kris Talikowski, Vice Chair of Swindon Welcomes UkraineKris Talikowski, Vice Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine (Image: Newsquest)

“We’re lucky to be supported by the council and as long as there’s a want for it next year we will hold the event again. Thanks to Swindon Borough Council it’s possible to host the event on this scale and the welcome team have been fabulous with housing for the community.

“There’s a huge desire and need for housing and while there’s less media attention, less people are aware there’s a need for hosts to open up their homes to people who need it. With events like this more people remember they should do something and we want to encourage them to open their homes to people.”

Paul and Joanne from Swindon Borough Council’s Ukrainian Warm Welcome Team said it was a great opportunity to meet people outside of the normal environment and held a Q&A event for anyone thinking about housing a Ukrainian refugee.

Joanne said: “People are very receptive and the children are integrating better than anyone. We are desperate for more hosts in Swindon and the council will pay people up to £500 per month to house a Ukrainian refugee for six months or more. The host families are amazing, so kind and welcoming.

“Then those people think about moving to rented accommodation and we offer them support making sure they don’t fall behind on rent and helping them to look for jobs and give them a head start. We’re keen to help them move on to the next phase. Some of the children are now off to college and university.

Paul and Joanne from Swindon Borough CouncilPaul and Joanne from Swindon Borough Council (Image: Newsquest) “Unfortunately the war continues. Many of them thought they would come here for six months and then be going home. We’re always on hand and we’re quite close to some of them.”

Daria Balabukha was helping a family friend run a stall at the event and said she was now living in Cardiff after fleeing Ukraine two years ago.

Daria said: “It’s a reminder of how Ukrainian people are and it definitely feels like being back. There’s lots of memories and nostalgia and I love the spirit.

Daria Balabukha at the Ukraine FestDaria Balabukha at the Ukraine Fest (Image: Newsquest) “It’s very difficult but positive here because people are warm and welcoming. It feels even better here than at home because of the war.”

Meanwhile, Mark Devereux, who worked in the RAF, travelled from Stow-on-the-Wold to show his support for Ukraine during the ongoing war.

“It’s emotional and very beautiful. I wanted to be here to show my continued support. My wife’s father was Ukrainian but that is not why I’m here.

Mark Devereux described the day as euphoric Mark Devereux described the day as euphoric (Image: Newsquest)

“I was brought up with a strong sense of justice and fighting for what is right - I hate the injustice of everything.

“I have a classic car which had two British flags on either side and when the war started, I put a Ukrainian flag on one side and there’s always a Ukrainian flag outside my house.”