A night to celebrate Ukraine

You are invited to a special evening to pay tribute to the culture, art, music and cuisine of Ukraine – and the enduring spirit of its people despite the Russian invasion.

This unique event on Wednesday (July 31) offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ukrainian mythology, music, art and gastronomy.

It’s free to attend – but you need to register for a ticket first, which you can find out more about below. It will take place at the Picturehouse Cinema in Filmworks Walk, central Ealing.

It was organized by Ealing & Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS) with the support of Ealing Council’s Ealing Homes for Ukraine program and aims to help integrate new communities and promote cultural understanding. You can find out more about the program on the council’s website.

What will be offered?

The evening will feature live Ukrainian music and tasty food, an exhibition of children’s drawings by Ukrainian children living in Ealing and a screening of MAVKA’s animated film Song of the Forest.

This film, produced by the Animagrad studio (part of the FILM.UA Group), is not just a fairy tale, but a story about resistance, the fight for justice and the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The film will be broadcast in Ukrainian with English subtitles.

Guests will be greeted by Ukrainian music by Cats and Bats and delicious food prepared by Delicate Gastrobar. Both the band and the catering business are run by Ukrainians.

There will be an art exhibition, created by the Ukrainian refugee children from the neighborhood, together with the art teacher Emanuela Marcu. You can take a look at their interpretations of Ukrainian folk culture.

“A testament to the enduring spirit of Ukraine”

Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki CBE DL, the King’s representative in the district, will give a welcome address. This will be followed by messages from EHCVS Administrator Anthony Brooks and Olga Dudnik, Ukraine Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator for EHCVS.

Olga said: “This evening is testament to our joint work with Ealing Council to establish support networks among refugees, giving them the resources and connections they need to thrive. We are also delighted to be able to present Ukrainian art, music and gastronomy to the local community to promote mutual understanding and acceptance.

“We invite all Ealing residents to join us for an evening of culture and art. This is more than a film screening; it is a celebration of artistic ingenuity and a testament to Ukraine’s enduring spirit.

“Encouraging interactions with local residents promotes mutual understanding and acceptance, crucial for social cohesion. Additionally, the event aims to establish support networks among refugees, giving them the resources and connections they need to thrive.

“These efforts collectively ensure that the refugee community can successfully integrate while maintaining cultural identity, contributing to the overall sustainability and resilience of the Ealing community.”

The Ealing Homes for Ukraine initiative aims to create a sustainable Ukrainian community in the neighborhood by fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride among refugees, essential for their long-term well-being.

Event details and tickets