On Saturday, September 27, 2025, a remarkable event took place in Salisbury, UK — the Ukrainian Festival of Culture and Cuisine at Play House. Organized by the local Ukrainian diaspora, the event was more than a celebration — it was a platform for dialogue, unity, and cultural exchange. Two women from Sokal took an active part in making this gathering special.
Two representatives from Sokal also took an active part in the event, contributing to the creation of this atmosphere of unity. They were Oksana Kravchenko and Iryna Liekhiv.
A mission beyond celebration
The festival aimed not just to share Ukrainian heritage but to amplify Ukraine’s voice in the world — highlighting its resilience, traditions, and fight for freedom through art, food, and storytelling.
Who made it happen
The event engaged 52 Ukrainian volunteers who managed a variety of activities and spaces:
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Café and culinary booths
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Workshops and masterclasses
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Photo zones and exhibitions
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Children’s area
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Talks, presentations, and live shows
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A marketplace and fashion segment
Together with British supporters, the total number of people involved in the organization reached 98 individuals — a team of adults, teens, and children, many of whom worked across several areas.
Program highlights: from heritage to performance
The festival featured diverse experiences:
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Talks — discussions on dignity, humanity, and freedom.
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Art installations and photos — capturing the ongoing war and its effects.
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Storytelling — real-life tales of Ukrainian strength.
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Workshops — hands-on crafts and cultural immersion.
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Piano performances — young musicians creating an inspiring atmosphere.
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Fashion show — a vivid display of traditional Ukrainian wedding attire.
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Ukrainian cuisine — food that brought warmth, home, and hospitality.
A key highlight was the recreated Carpathian wedding — complete with korovai (wedding bread), a ceremonial tree, and traditional costumes. These outfits were provided by Halyna Vartsabiuk, Oksana Prokopiv, Olena Boitsan, and the brand “Faina Taystra”, known for handcrafted Ukrainian bags.
The band Hlopy Band Uk infused the hall with energy, capturing the spirit of the Ukrainian soul.
The festival was a natural progression from the community’s involvement in Chalke History Festival 2024 and 2025, which served as groundwork and experience for organizing such a comprehensive event.
Gratitude and shared vision
Special thanks were extended to:
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Janey Ebel — for initiating the festival and her constant maternal support.
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All volunteers — Ukrainian and British — for their unity and dedication.
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Guests — for their heartfelt feedback and continuous support of Ukraine.
Although the festival has ended, its spirit lives on in the hearts, memories, and photos of everyone involved. Each smile and contribution became part of a shared history — built far from home, yet devoted to Ukraine.