Festival celebrates Ukrainian refugees and culture

A new festival celebrating Ukrainian culture and the country's nationals who have settled in Surrey will launch later this month.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network say they have been helping refugees who fled to the area since war broke out in Ukraine in 2022.

The council said its Festival of Friendship is "a chance for our Ukrainian friends to share their traditions and culture with the local community".

The festival runs from 27 January to 1 February and features exhibitions, workshops, films and live performances at a number of venues in the area.

The workshops and exhibitions will be at Epsom Library and will include Ukrainian block painting, paper art, wool crafts and beading.

Activities for children, such as treasure hunts, face painting and an appearance by Paddington Bear, will also be held at the library.

The Epsom Picturehouse cinema will show a number of films accompanied by live Ukrainian music performances.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, chairman of the community and wellbeing committee, said: "Events like this remind us that kindness and mutual understanding are at the heart of a thriving borough."

The council is partnering with the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network to run the festival.

Jo Sherring, from the network, said: "Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, we have been working with Ukrainian nationals who fled to the UK, helping them access work, housing, schools and community.

"Their courage, resilience and determination have been an example to us. As we have helped them to navigate life in the UK, we have enjoyed building friendships and learning about their culture and traditions.

"The Festival of Friendship is a chance for our Ukrainian friends to share their traditions and culture with the local community with activities happening during the week."

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