THE Salisbury community will be coming together to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24.

The celebration event will take place on the Guildhall Square from 10am to 3pm and will feature a charity fair in support of Ukraine, traditional Ukrainian music and dance, as well as traditional Ukrainian cuisine and baked goods.

A small ceremony will take place at 11am with the Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Sven Hocking, and local council representatives.

Traditional Ukrainian cuisine at the 2023 celebrations Picture: Salisbury City Council

Cllr Sven Hocking said: “Ukrainian Independence Day celebrates the Act of Independence formally ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament on 24th August 1991 after the end of the Soviet Union.

“Now, 33 years later, we are witnessing a hard-fought battle to ensure that Ukraine remains as an independent nation. We can only hope this war is brought to an end, so those displaced can return to their homes and rebuild their lives and country.”

The Guildhall will also be flying the national flag of Ukraine on the day.

Traditional Ukrainian cuisine at the 2023 celebrations Picture: Salisbury City Council

The event is being organised by Ukrainian Community “United” (UCU), supported by Salisbury City Council and Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine.

Oksana Prokopiv, co-founder and director of UCU, said: “We want to share our culture and identity, our hospitality and open hearts, and showcase the talents and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“With this event, we want to thank all the British people for their unwavering support.

“We aim to tell the world that Ukraine is a strong, free and independent nation that has an extremely rich culture and deep history and traditions.”