By Leah Dorotiak (Лія Доротяк) social media manager at Huddersfield Ukrainian Club
In a time where our vibrant culture, heritage and people are threatened, Huddersfield Ukrainian Club is organising a fundraising concert to celebrate Ukrainian culture on Sunday May 15 at Huddersfield Town Hall.
‘A Celebration of Ukrainian Culture’ is an idea born from Mandy and Ihor Cioch, members of our community, with the aim to showcase Ukrainian culture whilst fundraising to alleviate the sufferings of Ukrainians around the world.
We want to invite the people of Huddersfield to visit and show their Ukrainian guests, who have just arrived from Ukraine, a really heart-warming Yorkshire welcome.
What to expect:
The event will have over two hours of amazing Ukrainian dancing, singing and music with our traditional Ukrainian acts.
We have two Ukrainian dance ensembles showcasing the beauty and excitement of traditional dance.
Hoverla, Говерла, are an amazing Ukrainian Cossack troupe based in Derby. Formed in 1972, they will be performing an exhilarating sword dance.
Zolota Kalyna, Золота Калина, are Huddersfield’s very own Ukrainian dance troupe. They will be dancing two traditional high energy dances: the Hopak and Kolomeyka.
Svitoch Ukrainian Choir will be singing tradition Ukrainian songs, and Frelach band, which consists of the accordion, violin, cello and clarinet, will be performing authentic Ukrainian melodies.
Gledholt Male Voice Choir and Vocal Expressions Ladies Choir will also be singing songs for peace.
Let’s bring Huddersfield together with recently arrived Ukrainian refugees in a celebration of the vibrant and courageous culture of the Ukrainian nation. We look forward to welcoming you all!
Tickets are on sale via the Kirklees Town Halls ticket website HERE. Tickets are £12, and your VIP guests from Ukraine attend for free.
After the event, Mandy Cioch will be driving from Huddersfield to the Polish-Ukrainian border, delivering humanitarian aid for Ukrainians fleeing conflict and devastation.
Mandy is driving there in memory of her husband Ihor’s father, who came to the UK from Ukraine as a prisoner of war. If you want to donate to her cause, her GoFundMe can be found HERE.
If you need help and advice for your guests from Ukraine, Huddersfield Ukrainian Club is hosting a ‘Welcome Club’ from Kirklees Council for Ukrainian refugees arriving.
As well as usual help with benefits, registering GPs, banking etc, they also offer English lessons and activities for children and adults, including crafting. You can find more information on their website HERE.
