Refugee Week reflections: Ukrainian culture and community celebrations

Richmond’s Refugee Week was filled with colour, music and community spirit. Prosperity for Ukraine brought people together through Courage Through Culture, a warm celebration of heritage and resilience. The festivities continued with Ukrainian Social Club’s vibrant Kupala Party Festival, honouring traditions and the power of community coming together. Hear their reflections on what these events meant. 

Courage through Culture- Prosperity for Ukraine 

We would like to sincerely thank the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for supporting this Refugee Week community event. 

The event was successfully delivered by Prosperity for Ukraine, in partnership with Ukrainian Social Club, bringing together members of the Ukrainian community, local residents, families and people interested in learning more about Ukrainian culture. Throughout the day, participants took part in creative workshops, enjoyed traditional Ukrainian food and wine, and shared meaningful conversations in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

The programme featured a Petrykivka Painting Workshop, a Motanka Doll Workshop, a Traditional Varenyky Masterclass, Ukrainian Wine Tasting and Cultural Presentation, and opportunities for community networking and informal discussions. The workshops were delivered by experienced Ukrainian facilitators, who shared not only practical skills but also the cultural heritage and stories behind each tradition.

The event successfully met its objective of bringing people together through culture. Participants from different backgrounds were able to learn about Ukrainian traditions, participate in creative activities, connect with new people, and celebrate Refugee Week in an inclusive environment. The atmosphere throughout the event was welcoming, friendly and interactive, encouraging meaningful conversations between refugees, local residents and visitors. 

The event demonstrated how culture can create opportunities for integration, friendship and mutual understanding. The partnership between Prosperity for Ukraine, Ukrainian Social Club, Richmond Council's Refugee Week Small Grant enabled us to deliver a meaningful Refugee Week event that celebrated Ukrainian heritage while strengthening connections across the local community. 

We sincerely appreciate the support provided through the Refugee Week Grant Programme and look forward to contributing to future community initiatives.

Kupala Festival- Ukrainian Social Club 

Our Kupala Party Festival took place on Sunday 21 June at St Luke’s Church in Kew. We would like to sincerely thank the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and all our partners, volunteers and supporters for helping make the event a tremendous success. 

Over the course of the seven-hour festival, we welcomed approximately 900 guests, bringing together members of the Ukrainian community, sanctuary seekers, local residents, visitors from neighbouring boroughs, as well as guests who travelled from outside London to celebrate Refugee Week with us. The festival created a vibrant and welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds could experience Ukrainian traditions, enjoy live performances, take part in creative activities and build meaningful connections through culture. 

The festival programme included five hours of live music featuring established Ukrainian bands and professional singers alongside talented young musicians, providing an important platform for emerging artists while celebrating Ukrainian musical heritage. A theatrical performance introduced audiences to the traditions and symbolism of the ancient Ukrainian Kupala Festival, helping visitors understand the cultural significance of one of Ukraine’s most cherished midsummer celebrations.

The Artisan Market showcased 25 Ukrainian businesses, craftspeople and community traders, offering visitors the opportunity to discover handmade products, traditional crafts, artwork, clothing and Ukrainian food. Traditional flower crown (vinok) weaving masterclasses became the festival’s most popular interactive activity, with more than 80 children and adults taking part in learning the traditional art of creating floral wreaths, an iconic symbol of the Kupala celebration. Ukrainian food and refreshments prepared and served by Prosperity Café allowed visitors to experience authentic Ukrainian cuisine throughout the day.

The Kids’ Zone offered a wide range of creative and educational activities, including the Underwater World Art Workshop and Bloom Nest, a welcoming space for children and families focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection with nature. Participants planted seeds together, explored the fascinating world of plants and discovered how growth begins from the smallest seed. Face painting and the Bubble Fairy added further joy to the children’s experience, ensuring that families could enjoy the festival together while children engaged in creative play inspired by nature and Ukrainian traditions. 

The festival was honoured by the attendance of a number of distinguished guests from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, including the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Cllr Nancy Baldwin, accompanied by Adrian Baldwin; Sanctuary Champion, Cllr Fiona Sacks; Cllr Elizabeth Gant and Cllr Andy Hale. Their presence demonstrated the borough’s continued commitment to supporting sanctuary seekers, celebrating diversity, and strengthening community cohesion. 

The Kupala Party Festival demonstrated the power of culture to bring people together across communities. Through music, theatre, traditional crafts, food and shared experiences, the event created an inclusive celebration where refugees, local residents and visitors could connect, learn from one another and celebrate cultural diversity. The festival not only showcased the richness of Ukrainian heritage but also provided meaningful opportunities for integration, friendship and community building during Refugee Week. 

We are incredibly grateful to all our partners, volunteers, performers, traders and guests whose enthusiasm and support made this celebration possible. Thank you once again for your continued support.

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