Following the Holmfirth Arts Festival, Dear Sunflowers returns to Dewsbury

by Joshua Robinson –

following Holmfirth Arts Festival last weekend, creative arts charity, 6 million+ runs Dear sunflowers parade and show again in Dewsbury town centre on Saturday 22nd June at 1.30pm to coincide with Refugee Week.

The parade and performance celebrates the life and work of the popular artist Maria Prymachenko (1908-1997), whose bold and colorful paintings became a symbol of hope and peace for Ukraine.

The Dear Sunflowers project promotes international friendship and solidarity, bringing together refugees from 13 countries, local volunteers and Ukrainians who have been welcomed to the UK. The project is a collaboration between 6 million +, Balbir Singh Dance Company, and British Ukrainian Friendship Association. The event was funded by One Community, Brelms Trust, Holmfirth Arts Festival, and Kirklees Council.

There were craft, dance and painting workshops in Huddersfield and Holmfirth, and a choir of local people rehearsing in the community hall at Dewsbury Fire Station. Over 50 participants of all ages were involved and made new friends, learned new skills and grew in confidence.

Dear Sunflowers were part of the opening weekend of Holmfirth Arts Festival last Saturday. A giant dove of peace led the parade, followed by sunflowers, artwork inspired by Maria Prymachenko, flag-colored shadows representing the countries of the refugees involved, a new giant marionette by Maria Prymachenko, Zenobia (a Syrian puppet) and a giant heron . FROM Edgelands Arts. Holmfirth Arts Festival also supported the involvement of other groups who made birds and fish inspired by Maria Prymachenko and the samba group Band Na Rua and Hades Edge provided the music.

Then there was an indoor performance telling Maria’s story described by one of our audience members as “deeply moving”, telling the story of Maria Prymachenko in mask, music and dance.

Lesia Koliuka, a Ukrainian living in Dewsbury said: “It has been wonderful for me and my family to be involved in this project. The show brought us all together and allowed us to share warmth and joy with the entire audience. The show is not only about Maria Prymachenko, but also about the Ukrainian nation and culture as a whole. We really appreciate the support of everyone involved.”

Project Leader Adam Strickson said: “We were delighted by the warm and enthusiastic comments at last week’s parade and show and the wonderful photos in the papers and shared on social media. We are delighted to be able to meet a new audience in Dewsbury with our weekend work. Please come and join us.”

The parade on Saturday 22 June starts at 1.30pm just outside Dewsbury Town Hall and will include a samba band. Valley Beats. There are two opportunities to see the indoor show, either at 3pm or 4pm. The show features masks, music and dancing and is suitable for audiences aged 7 and over. These are free, but people should book in advance as places are limited.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dearsunflowers

More information can be found on the 6 million + Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/6MillionPlus/

We appreciate your support, it’s really priceless, please share the article and be sure to join the KLTV WhatsApp community today!

Post Views: 194