Ukrainian Independence Weekend Day 1

Ukrainians are fighting to keep their country independent after Russia’s brutal invasions in 2014 and 2022, so each year Independence Day on 24 August is REALLY special. Join us for a 2-day event at the Barbican Theatre.

Day 1 Schedule:

11am-4pm - Art and Craft Fair and Workshop, plus Photography Exhibition

A great opportunity to see and make things with a Ukrainian cultural theme and explore the Planet of Dreams Community Group space, where you can participate in inspiring creative workshops led by Robert Turner, Head of the Plymouth Watercolour Society. Planet of Dreams community group is a creative collective dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenging life situations through the transformative power of art. Also, see the poignant photo exhibition "Planted Between Two Worlds: A Story of Roots and Cultures" by Ukrainian visual artist Alina Vasyuta. It's a powerful tribute to identity and resilience expressed through art.

Interval: Refreshments available

5-9pm - Films Event - helping to show plainly to British people Ukraine’s brave defence of their freedom

Film 1: 5 - 6:30, BAFTA and Oscar-winning film, "21 Days in Mariupol"

A film by Purlitzer prize-winning Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov.

Film 2: 7 – 7:30, “One Day in My Life”. This film was made by young people aged 11-15 from Ukraine and the UK. The students spent a week on a Film Camp at Queen’s Hall Arts Centre led by professional filmmakers Svitlana Pohasiy and Christo Wallers. They shared their everyday realities and reflected on their hopes and dreams for the future, describing the joys and stresses of adapting to life in another country following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This film will be of interest to children and young people, as well as their parents, teachers and other adults, for British people as well as for Ukrainians and other nationalities.

Film 3: ca. 7:40 – 9, “Why Us?” This film was shown in London last year and the Ukrainian Embassy promoted it. “Why Us?” stands as a testament to the unwavering resilience of the Ukrainian people, particularly its youngest members, in the face of adversity. With a masterful blend of storytelling and raw emotion, this documentary film highlights the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people, particularly exploring the impact of the war on Ukrainian children by focusing on their social, political, and economic well-being as they navigate the challenges of war. We're delighted that the director, Maria Springis, is also joining us!

Day 2: On Sunday, Independence Day itself, we host our local group The Ukrainian Singers of Plymouth, who since 2023 have performed over 30 public events. USP are dedicated to showing and sharing the best of Ukrainian traditional culture to their UK friends. Now known nationally, USP had a sold-out concert at an Exeter theatre last December.

Book Day 2: