Ashton's Ukrainian community to mark 35 years of independence

The Ukrainian community in Ashton-under-Lyne will mark 35 years of Ukrainian independence this month at the Association of Ukrainians on Stockport Road.

The main celebration will take place on Saturday, August 22nd, bringing together the Ukrainian and wider local community to reflect on what independence means at a time when Ukraine continues to defend its freedom and sovereignty.

The afternoon will begin at 4pm with a formal programme, providing an opportunity to reflect on Ukraine's independence, its culture and traditions, and the continuing war and what is at stake for the Ukrainian people.

Following the more serious part of the afternoon, the event will become a community celebration, with people invited to come together over traditional Ukrainian food and drinks, stalls, a quiz, a lottery, and fundraising activities. A Bric-a-Brac stall will also form part of the afternoon, with proceeds helping to support the community's fundraising efforts.

The celebration will continue into the evening, with a disco from 6pm, offering an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to meet, socialise and celebrate Ukrainian culture and the friendship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

The organisers emphasise that everyone is welcome, and not just members of the Ukrainian community.

A second event will then take place on Monday, August 24th (Ukrainian Independence Day itself), when members of the community and supporters will come together for a community litter pick from 11am until 1pm around the centre.

The clean-up is being organised with the support of the local council and is intended as a symbol of gratitude, friendship, and the community's commitment to the area in which it now lives. All necessary cleaning materials will be provided.

Together, the two events reflect both sides of the community's message: remembering the importance of freedom and independence while also building friendships and making a positive contribution to the local community.

The events will be held at 215 Stockport Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0NP, and the organisers are inviting local residents to come along, learn more about Ukrainian culture and traditions, enjoy the celebrations, and show their support for the Ukrainian community.