Ukrainian Independence Day
KHRYSTYNA MASHCHENSKA
The 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence was marked with separate events in Hastings, Rye and Bexhill, bringing Ukrainians together with local residents, civic representatives and friends of Ukraine.
Halyna Pohriada performing a Ukrainian song at the multicultural festival in Hastings
The celebrations began in Hastings on 22 August, as part of the Hastings Multicultural Festival at The Stade. Members of the local Ukrainian community took to the stage to speak about Ukraine’s Independence Day and its significance. The programme also included a Ukrainian national song, introducing the wider festival audience to another part of Ukrainian culture.
Throughout the day, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Hastings and Rother District Branch hosted a Ukrainian Community Stall. Visitors were able to meet and talk to local Ukrainians and learn more about Ukrainian culture and traditions.
Two days later, on 24 August – Ukraine’s Independence Day itself – Rye held its own ceremony. Rye Town Crier Paul Edward Goring delivered a specially prepared proclamation in Ukrainian. Colonel Anthony Kimber MBE was also involved in the event, alongside representatives of Rye Town Council, including the Deputy Mayor.
For Ukrainians attending, hearing the Town Crier deliver his proclamation in their own language was a particularly moving gesture. They were also touched by the thought and care that had gone into the ceremony and by the warm welcome from the local community.
Among the Ukrainian symbols brought to the ceremony was a flag covered with handwritten messages and signatures collected during the years of war. Many of the signatures belong to Ukrainian servicemen – some of the soldiers who signed the flag have since lost their lives.
Bexhill also marked the Independence Day on 24 August, with Ukrainians gathering alongside residents and community representatives. Rother Voluntary Action (RVA), which supports the Ukrainian community across Rother, was also represented at the event.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Swanson MBE, who has longstanding connections with the Armed Forces and veterans’ community, addressed those gathered and delivered a speech in Ukrainian.
Although the events in Hastings, Rye and Bexhill were organised separately and were very different in character, they all highlighted how Ukrainian people have found a place within local communities across Hastings and Rother.
This year marks 35 years since Ukraine restored its independence in 1991. For Ukrainians, however, the anniversary represents a much longer history, culture and national identity – something that was reflected in the celebrations across all three towns.
Across Hastings, Rye and Bexhill, that celebration was shared with the communities around them – sometimes, quite literally, in the Ukrainian words spoken by their neighbours.
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