Members of both the Ukrainian and Welsh communities gathered at Barry Island beach on St. David’s Day in a powerful display of unity and friendship. The joint celebration brought together local Welsh residents and Ukrainians now living in Wales to express mutual solidarity and to thank the Welsh people for their unwavering support since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
The vibrant event featured colorful displays of both Ukrainian and Welsh flags, with supporters creating a large “We ❤️ Ukraine” message in the sand that could be seen across the beach. The gathering brought together people of all ages, with activities for children including sandcastle building alongside more poignant moments of reflection.
Ukrainian Choir’s Moving Performance
A highlight of the celebration was the Ukrainian women’s singing circle, who performed five songs culminating in a powerful rendition of “Yma o Hyd” (Still Here) – the Welsh anthem that has become a symbol of resilience and perseverance. The choir’s decision to sing this particular song carried deep significance, drawing parallels between Wales’ centuries-old struggle to maintain its identity and Ukraine’s current fight for sovereignty.
Political Support
The event was attended by Vale of Glamorgan Member of Parliament Kanishka Narayan, who met with supporters, shared Welsh cakes and coffee, and took time to admire the creative sandcastle efforts of younger participants. His presence underscored the cross-party political support that Wales has shown for Ukraine since February 2022.
Rob Curtis, spokesperson for the Barry for Ukraine support group, expressed pride in the dual celebration: “We are proud to have celebrated St David’s Day by thanking the Welsh public for the friendship and solidarity they have shown the brave people of Ukraine.”
Cultural Exchange and Unity
The gathering represented a true integration of both communities – Welsh residents who have opened their homes and hearts to Ukrainian refugees, alongside Ukrainians who have found sanctuary in Wales over the past two years. This wasn’t simply a Ukrainian event with Welsh observers, but rather a joint celebration where both communities participated equally, sharing traditions, food, and songs.
Many attendees wore symbols of both nations, with some Welsh supporters wearing Ukrainian vyshyvankas (embroidered shirts) while some Ukrainians displayed Welsh daffodils and leeks. This cultural exchange has flourished as Ukrainians have embraced Welsh traditions and language, while bringing their own rich cultural heritage to share with their new neighbors.
The event concluded with participants holding signs with messages including “Barry for Ukraine,” “Peace for Ukraine,” and “Let’s save Prysudny!” – referencing Ukrainian prisoner of war Maksym Prysudny who has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
As the sun shone on Barry Island’s famous beach huts, the gathering served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds formed between the Welsh and Ukrainian communities, embodied in the Welsh phrase that concluded the event: “Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant Hapus pawb!” (Happy St. David’s Day everyone!)
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