Thousands of people headed down to UkraineFest in Swindon at the weekend.
The celebration took place on Saturday, August 22, ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day on Monday, August 24.
The free event was organised by Swindon Welcomes Ukraine in partnership with Swindon Borough Council.
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The festival featured live entertainment, Ukrainian food, an art exhibition, a cultural market and a programme of family activities.
Children took part in creative workshops, and watched a bubble show, while a music zone gave visitors the chance to try instruments and join informal sessions.
Before the event, Anastasiia Banatska, chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, said: “UkraineFest has always been a celebration of Ukrainian culture, identity and resilience, but this year it also represents something even more meaningful.
“The friendship between Swindon and Rivne has grown from acts of kindness shown by local people when Ukrainians first arrived here.”
The event came as Swindon moves forward in agreeing a twinning partnership with Rivne. The proposed link would support cultural exchange, education, youth projects and other community initiatives.
Most recently, Swindon showed off its connection with the western Ukraine city with the launching a limited-edition Ukrainian Pale Ale "SYLA" in July at the Drink Valley pub in Old Town.
More than 150 households in Swindon welcomed Ukrainian families through the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, and the volunteer-led group Swindon Welcomes Ukraine has since grown into a network supporting more than 500 Ukrainians in the area.
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