Ukrainian guests living in the Farnham area will host a family-friendly community event in Gostrey Meadow on 24 August to thank the people of Farnham for their hospitality. They are inviting local people to join them at the free afternoon of food, children’s activities and community spirit. The event will take place on Ukrainian Independence Day, ordinarily a state holiday in Ukraine. 

“Ukrainian people living in and around Farnham are inviting the rest of the local community to join in their Independence Day of Ukraine celebrations. Clearly this year it will have a particular meaning but nevertheless, the afternoon will be a fun one with football skills, crafts and circus skills plus traditional Ukrainian food to sample,” says the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker.

The event is free to attend and tickets can be booked in advance at Eventbrite. The afternoon will start with children’s activities from 3pm to 5pm followed by music, food and dancing from 5 to 8.30pm. “We would love to see as many people as possible at the event,” adds the Mayor.  

Guests are invited to bring their own homemade Ukrainian snacks and treats to share with others, if they wish. The organisers anticipate that traditional and wholesome borscht will be on the menu but guests can also expect to be able to try food such as vareniki, which are sweet or savoury half-moon shaped dumplings that are popular in Ukraine and throughout the region.

Ukrainian Independence Day marks the anniversary of the issuing of the Declaration of Independence in 1991.