Dariia Zhdanova
In spite of all the hardships, the Ukrainian community knows how to celebrate important things together, infusing meaning through creativity and bringing diversity into a unified community. With vibrant colors and Ukrainian patterns, delicious treats, the mingling of times and generations, and the ability to both enjoy life and honor those who make its existence possible—this is how Ukrainian identity flourishes. We nurture what is ours, share it openly, and allow others to coexist in a cultural dialogue. Ukraine’s Independence Day in Cardiff, organized by Ukrainian Hub Cymru Wales, isn’t just about independence—it’s about the freedom to express ourselves in all our diversity. What a warm and rich day that tasted like home.
It was truly heartwarming to see how engaged the young people and children were at the event. Being so far from their native homes, they don’t always get the chance to connect with Ukrainian culture. The preparation for the event allowed them to immerse themselves in its artistic world, and their genuine enthusiasm, emotions, and energy were on full display during their performances and participation in various activities. This space also gave them a wonderful opportunity to showcase their remarkable talents, both creatively and through volunteer work. They were able to build friendships and be inspired by the best examples of community interaction.
The Ukrainian community in Wales is represented predominantly by women and children, and the event was a true celebration of beauty. They wore carefully chosen dresses and vyshyvanky (embroidered shirts), the hair was decorated with intricate braids, and warm smiles were everywhere. Yellow and blue ribbons fluttered in the breeze, visually highlighting connection to the Ukrainian people and their rich heritage.
The hosts, Anastasia Kovtun and Oleksandra Omelchuk:
The guests of the event:
Face painting by Irina Arkhytko:
Culinary masters:
A Showcase of Culture and Talent
One of the most symbolic performances was the dance with the knot dolls, which was part of a larger project by the idea of artisian Olena Ponomarenko and Larysa Martseva. Together with the youngest girls, Viktoriya Kizim used Ukrainian dance to tell the story of the Ukrainian folk play doll. “Through Ukrainian dance, songs, and rituals, we reveal the richness of Ukrainian culture through our creativity,” Olena said. She personally sewed the costumes and prepared the doll props the girls danced with. The youngest participant even became a living doll herself, bringing the performance to life.
The knot doll dance:
The large-scale and theatrical performances in the concert program, delivered by the singing group “Heartstrings,” along with young gymnasts and the theater studio “Akterstvo,” were also a hit with the audience.
Concert program and open mic participants:
The Art of Community
This year, visitors also had a fantastic opportunity to explore and purchase artwork from Ukrainian artists currently living in Wales. Thanks to the careful organization of Olesia Miftahova and the hospitality of the Cardiff Beach Volleyball Club, a diverse range of paintings were displayed by artists including Tetiana Rud, Tetiana Likhachova, Yuliia Lapina, Olesia Miftahova, Pavlo Gulevaty, and Olena Voronenko. Handcrafted jewelry by Oksana Frolova was also on offer.
The art exhibition attracted significant interest from both Ukrainian and British guests. I was also happy to buy a creative drawing from the youngest participant, Matvii.
Dedicated friend of Ukrainians from Welsh refugee council Nick Wysoczanskyj and Olesia Miftahova
The artist Pavlo Gulevaty (center) with visitors
Master of handcrafted jewelery Oksana Frolova
A Shared Vision
It was clear that a great deal of teamwork went into the vibrant and colorful celebration. The event’s success was driven by the enthusiasm of both the Ukrainian community and their steadfast Welsh friends, who understand the importance of helping to organize an event of this magnitude each year.
Viktoriya Kizim, the mastermind behind the concert program, summed up the feeling of the day with a simple exclamation: “We did it!” She went on to acknowledge the collective effort of everyone involved.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s Independence Day celebration such a resounding success,” she said. “This event was a true team effort, and I want to acknowledge the many people who contributed their time and talent.”
She thanked Helen McAdie for her leadership at Ukrainian Hub Cymru Wales, and Karl Harwood for allowing to use the venue for the third consecutive year. The delicious traditional Ukrainian food was a result of the work of Nadia Mclellan and her team (Olena Kolubaeva, Oleksandr Kubinskiy, Zarina Popko), along with bakers with their tasty and divers bakery: Svetlana Tertychnaya, Ludmila Vecherska, and Ludmila Tkachena.
The hosts, Anastasia Kovtun and Oleksandra Omelchuk, were praised for their flexibility, in managing the program despite all circumstances. She also thanked Artem Panasyuk for his essential work with the music, Olena Ponomarenko for sewing costumes and preparing materials for the knot doll dance, Irina Arkhytko for her wonderful idea to offer face painting for both children and adults, and Olesia Miftahova for organizing the art exhibition and fair. She extended a huge thank you to all the performers, who participated in the concert and entertained the audience, including: Anna Oskilko, Iryna Panasiuk, Olena Kolubaeva, Jane Rizina, Zoriana Korol, Zlata Kolubaeva, Sofia Vishnevska, Kleopatra Kolubaeva, Anna Vasilivna, Katerina Sheglova, Sofia Vyshnevska, Kira, Artem Rakul, Dima Panasyuk, Matvii Kolubaev, Oleksandr Zuravel, Timur Gorodnichiy, Olga Cherniavska, all the young gymnasts, and the theatre studio “Akterstvo.”
Deepest credits are addressed to all the volunteers who helped to prepare the site and clean up afterward, forming an incredible team: Anastasia Kovtun, Helen McAdie, Oleksandr Kubinskiy, Olena Kolubaeva, Artem Panasyuk, Dima Panasyuk, Oleksii Sheglov, Andriy Sheglov, Mykyta Korol, Maksym Kolubaev, and Jane Prince.
“And of course, a heartfelt thank you to all our guests. It was a true pleasure to see you all; without an audience, none of this would have been possible,” – finalized Victoriya.
Holding Onto Hope
Helen McAdie, founder and lead volunteer for Ukrainian Hub Cymru Wales, shared a deeply personal perspective on the event.
“Every year, this celebration is about far more than marking a date on the calendar—it’s about holding onto identity, dignity, and hope in the face of loss and displacement,” she said. “For Ukrainians in Cardiff and across Wales, Independence Day reminds them of home, of their history, and of what they’re still fighting to preserve. It helps them feel proud rather than only defined by their refugee status.”
For the Welsh community, she expressed hope that the event would show the incredible richness of Ukrainian culture and create a space for connection and understanding. “It’s a reminder that behind the headlines of war are families, children, traditions, and dreams,” she added.
“It’s also a way of saying: your solidarity matters, and your presence here helps refugees feel less alone.”
She was moved by the overwhelming support from the Welsh community, noting that every gesture—from volunteers to local people attending—makes a difference. “It says, ‘We see you, we welcome you, and your struggle matters to us’,” she explained, highlighting how this support eases the heavy burden of exile and gives Ukrainians a sense of belonging.
Many people will surely share the impressions voiced by Helen McAdie, who reflected on the touching moments of the day: “The singing of the Ukrainian anthem with such pride and solidarity of so many Ukrainians brought a tear to my eye. Watching our team work so hard to celebrate their culture, and seeing the young children perform the knot doll dance, reminded us why these celebrations matter—they keep culture alive, build community, and give hope for the future.”
Helen McAdie at Art Exhibition
Touching moment of Ukrainian anthem singing
A Tangible Impact
A final word is in order to highlight that these shared efforts brought not only a great deal of excitement and a sense of belonging but also had a significant material impact. The event successfully raised £1,433, and a portion of those funds has already been used to purchase 20 IFAKs (Individual First Aid Kits) for Ukrainian soldiers in the Donetsk region. Well done to all!
Photographer: Dariia Zhdanova.
