Ukrainian Independence Day marked in West Norfolk

Oksana Bransgove, Ukrianian Support Officer at the borough council, along with the Ukrainian community organised this special event to commemorate their 33rd Independence Day, with crowds attending to enjoy the activities and entertainments. The winner of The Voice Ukraine, Igor Grohotsky, performed live music and was supported by local band The Rummuns. Folk dancing and poetry took place on stage, along with crafts and the opportunity to taste lots of Ukrainian food on the square in front of the stage.

The Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Cllr Paul Bland, and Cabinet Member for People and Communities, Cllr Jo Rust, spoke to the crowd and accepted a Viburnum tree on behalf of the borough, which was given as a thank you from all the Ukrainian community based in west Norfolk.

Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet Member for People and Communities at the borough council, said: “I was really proud to have been asked to say a few words at this lovely celebration of Independence for Ukraine. Despite the rain and damp weather, nothing could extinguish the huge smiles on the faces of those present, whether the children playing, having their faces painted or adults enjoying the delicious food, music and dancing, it really was an event to remember that brought together members of the Ukrainian community and their friends and family in the UK.

“I enjoyed learning that the Viburnum (tree) is a national symbol that represents girls and motherhood and the soul of the nation and love. This understanding made the gift all the more meaningful.

“It was a privilege to work with some of our refugees to stage the event and I am delighted that so many people came along to enjoy themselves. The atmosphere was fantastic.”

There were readings and poetry from Ukrainian children, including 16 year old Roman Kutsaienko.

They featured word of the good relations between the people of west Norfolk and the Ukrainian community, and their hope that the people of Ukraine would once again enjoy the ability to celebrate with a true feeling of freedom.

Viktoras Bileiciukas, a solider who helped defend Ukraine at the start of this war was pleased to see the Ukrainian Independence Day being marked in King’s Lynn: “I had the opportunity to speak with Igor Grohotsky and have a photograph with him, I enjoyed his music and it lifted peoples spirits. The cuisine on offer here reminded me of fond time as a child at my father’s house in Ukraine eating family meals.” Viktoras wore his army uniform, including two medals he’s been awarded for his mission in Ukraine. He has lost his brother and his brother's family in the war over the last two years.

Viktoras signed up with the international legion at the beginning of the war (April 2022) escorting the humanitarian convoy from Poland into Ukraine. They were attacked but all survived. His second mission was to Kherson, on the front line. Viktoras injured his leg having been shelled for nearly six hours. Artillery shells shrapnel hit the back of his leg.

Viktoras added: “I thought the event was very special and was a nice way to distract from the horrifying things happening still in Ukraine.”