New Forest charity celebrate Ukraine Independence Day with event and raise awareness of support needed
The charity are running an event in Lymington
Last updated 26th Aug 2025
A New Forest charity are running an event to celebrate Ukraine Independence Day and to raise awareness of the support that's still needed.
New Forest for Ukraine charity are running a Ukraine Independence Day at St. Thomas Church in Lymington today from 10:20am until 3pm.
The charity say the need for support in Ukraine is still "constant".
Mandy Haynes, Lead and Event Organiser for New Forest for Ukraine, said: "Ukraine Independence Day marks the 34th anniversary of the turning point in the Ukrainian's history, when the nation shifted from being a Soviet Republic to an Independent State.
"Independence Day is not only about a commemoration of that historic moment, but also a symbol of the Ukrainian's enduring struggle, unity and determination to defend their freedom.
"We all know that at the moment, Ukraine continues to fight to protect their freedom and their country.
"Continuing conflict and significance of independence has only grown, embodying the unbreakable spirit and unwavering will of Ukraine.
"There is 5.7 million people displaced in Ukraine.
"There's family, children in schools, grandparents forced to abandon their homes where they built their lives.
"It's critical for us to keep providing that support."
The group arranged for Ukrainian cultural celebrations to take place throughout the day, such as dancing, singing and guitar performances, as well as craft exercises.
Anna Paniotova is a dancer and dance teacher from Ukraine.
Since the war, she has continued her dancing here in the UK, and performed at the event today.
She said: "We have been dancing and singing today and I'm very happy and it's a big opportunity to take part in this event for Ukraine Independence Day because it's such a special day.
"I'm a dancer and in the UK, I decided to dance a Ukrainian dance because I want to show English people my culture.
"Through the dancing, I try to explain how my country is beautiful through movement.
"I admire my culture and of course it's an important day."
The celebrations are happening today ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day tomorrow.
As part of the celebrations, Serhii Rabchevskyi, a Ukrainian guitarist, played songs from the culture.
He said: "We have today the day of National Flag and tomorrow is Independence Day.
"I think it's one of the biggest holidays in Ukraine and it's a great day for us.
He told us playing guitar is "very important" to him.
He added: "It may be my favourite hobby and I'm happy to be here today to sing for all the lovely people."
The charity have been supporting those in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, sending aid regularly.
They say the need is still "constant".
Sandra Quinn, Volunteer and Co-ordinator for New Forest for Ukraine, said: "Today we're celebrating Ukraine's National Flag Day, which is ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day.
"It's a day when they, at home, would celebrate their culture and how they live their lives and their art and their crafts, so that's what we're doing here today.
"We're giving Ukrainians an opportunity, here in Lymington, to be able to show off their culture, to be able to show the things that they love doing by way of arts and crafts.
"Really, to enable them to be people because we often talk about Ukraine as a country and a land, but it's all about people, so today's all about people.
"It's also about being able to show the people of Lymington and the New Forest what we've been doing at New Forest for Ukraine to support Ukraine."