2023 Ukraine independence day to be celebrated in King’s Lynn

Ukrainians who found home in West Norfolk after Russia’s invasion will be celebrating an important day later this month.

With the help of West Norfolk Council, refugees will host an event at the Tuesday Market Place that will be featuring craft, culture and song.

This will mark their country’s annual independence day on August 24 – and everyone is invited to join their free celebration.

The event, running from 4.30-7pm, will include two hours of free crafts and activities, such as making friendship bracelets using an ancient binding technique and making a traditional board game.

There will also be face painting, Ukrainian trinkets for sale and a raffle of small gifts. There will be informal entertainment from Ukrainians who will dance, sing and recite poetry on stage.

At 6.30pm there will be a 30-minute programme of singing to conclude the event.

Marina Jaivoronoc, who is a Ukrainian resident of West Norfolk and support worker in the council’s refugee welcome centre helping to organise the event, said: “It is very important for Ukrainian people, who escaped the war in foreign country, not only to feel safe, but feeling the part of their native community, and to share the piece of their culture.

“On the Ukrainian Independence Day, we try to show everyone how much we love our motherland and share this love with you.”

Supported by Stories of Lynn, the event will also showcase some of the borough’s longstanding trading links with countries across northern Europe.

The borough’s cabinet member for tourism, events and marketing, Cllr Simon Ring, said: “This borough has a long and proud tradition of links with people from across Europe. Most recently we have started to welcome refugees from Ukraine.

“Independence Day is a special day in the Ukrainian calendar and we are delighted to support our newest community to celebrate an event that unfortunately they cannot celebrate at home, as I am sure they would wish to, and to help them share aspects of their culture with their west Norfolk hosts.”

Reporting by Eloise Short