Ukrainians in Milton Keynes Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence
On Saturday, 22 August 2026, the Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes gathered at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. Organised by Ukraine Appeal and the Sunflower Ukrainian Education Centre, the event brought together the Ukrainian community, local residents, MK leaders, and partners for a powerful celebration of Ukrainian culture, resilience, and unity in defending Ukraine's independence and protecting freedom across Europe.
Vyshyvanka Tapestry Exhibition at Ukraine Independence Day at Christ the Cornerstone Church, Milton Keynes, on Saturday 22 August 2026.
The celebration filled the venue with immersive workshops, creative zones, and symbolic installations that highlighted Ukrainian heritage and the strength of community.
Guests were welcomed by a striking display of traditional embroidered tapestries crafted by more than 100 women and children across Milton Keynes. Installed throughout the venue, the Vyshyvanka Tapestry Exhibition honoured identity, craftsmanship, and intergenerational cultural continuity.
Students from the Sunflower Ukrainian School created handcrafted sunflowers and assembled on stage to form a Living Sunflower Field, delivering the message BRING KIDS BACK! At every event, we remind our community and partners that hundreds — and most likely thousands — of Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported or displaced by Russia during the invasion. They must be returned home. Every child deserves safety, freedom, and the right to grow up in their own country.
❤️ 35 Hearts for 35 Years - Participants created a giant card shaped like Ukraine, carrying 35 hearts, each symbolising a year of independence. Designed for His Majesty The King, the hearts were filled with messages of gratitude, hope, and dreams for Ukraine’s future.
Throughout the day, guests contributed brushstrokes to a monumental Tree of Life — a sacred archetype of nature’s rebirth and a symbol of roots, family, and renewal. The culmination of this collaborative artwork was the ceremonial hoisting of the completed canvas, revealing a concealed red‑carpet Vyshyvanka Runway photo zone. Against the backdrop of this community‑created masterpiece, the unveiling became a triumphant celebration of rebirth, heritage, and unity.
Official Opening & Honoured Guests
The event opened with the Ukrainian National Anthem, performed a cappella by Ukrainian opera singer Anastasiia Vasylenko. Father Myroslav Pushkaryk of the Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of St George in Milton Keynes then offered a prayer, after which visitors honoured those who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine with a minute of silence.
Our honoured guests shared words of support and joined the joyful Red Carpet Runway photoshoot in front of the completed Tree of Life — a moment celebrating unity, culture, and everything created together.
Speakers and special guests included:
Gamiel Yafai, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager, The Parks Trust
Vicki Pipe, Head of Audiences & Programmes, Bletchley Park Trust
MK City Mayor, Cllr Paul Trendall, who once again delivered a phenomenal speech full of support for Ukrainian culture and admiration for the community’s work. He spoke about how Ukrainians enrich the cultural life of Milton Keynes and expressed hope for the future.
Milton Keynes Councillors
Mike Cashman, local writer and music producer
No Ukrainian event is ever complete without singing. Whatever the occasion and whatever the mood, Ukrainians have a song for every moment.
Olga Pereverzeva performed the iconic “Ukraine Is You” and “To the Dearest”.
Ruslana Berehuliak performed “My Land!” and “Grow, My Green Grove”.
The fiery duet “Mavka”, sisters Oksana and Iryna Bodnar, delivered the all‑time hit “Red Rue”.
A sticker with the coat of arms of Ukraine — the Trident — on the hand of one of the guests.
Reflection, Remembrance & Hope
Independence Day is not only a celebration of Ukraine’s history of statehood, traditions, music, crafts, food, and community. It is also a moment to reflect on the cost of independence and the price of freedom.
A dedicated Reflective Installation honoured those who sacrificed their lives and those who remain in captivity. The war continues to take lives every day, and it is our duty to remember the warriors of independence.
Every year makes the Ukrainian nation stronger, and our community more united. We remember our roots, we celebrate our culture, we speak our language proudly, we raise our flag high, we honour our defenders, we keep hope alive, and we stand firm — strengthening our resistance and sharing the warmth of our hearts with those who stand beside us and wipe our tears, just as the people of the United Kingdom do.
Guests of the celebration were invited to leave written messages for peace and goodwill inside a Time Capsule, which will be opened on Independence Day 2027 — a moment when we hope to see today’s wishes, dreams, and hopes moving closer to becoming reality.
Our Thanks
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers and partners. Thank you to everyone who prepared the event and made it happen.
Special recognition goes to creative designer Dana Heorhichuk and artist Karyna Kurayan for their personal contribution and invaluable volunteer work in creating the Tree of Life.
Our heartfelt thanks also to our fabulous volunteer, Lana Panteleeva, for her unprecedented support.
Special thanks to the Kirianenko family and the wonderful Sweet Dreams team for their outstanding Ukrainian cuisine.
A special acknowledgement goes to our remarkable and tireless CEO of Ukraine Appeal, Viktoriya Shtanko, whose vision shaped the entire event. The concept, staging, and script — including the creative idea of the Tree of Life — all grew out of her exceptional leadership and artistic direction.
We hope to see you again at our future events and to celebrate the next Independence Day of Ukraine together — in peace and joy.
