Swindon Choirs and Displaced Ukrainians Mark Festive Traditions

Singers from across Swindon are collaborating with displaced Ukrainians to commemorate Christmas through musical performances. A Ukrainian Christmas celebration service, featuring traditional Ukrainian carols, is scheduled to take place at Pattern Church in Swindon this Sunday. The event will feature performances by a newly established Ukrainian choir, alongside singers representing the North Swindon and Highworth with Shrivenham Good Afternoon Choirs. According to co-organiser Anastasiia, the celebration seeks to instill feelings of “hope, union and family” within the community during the Christmas season. Anastasiia explained, “Many of us come [to England] alone with children and we cannot have Christmas Eve like normal people, just with family, because we are alone here.” Marina, who leads the Ukrainian choir, is observing her third Christmas season in England. She commented, “For me it not just about the concert, it’s more about family, relationship and joy [and having] fun together.” Marina further articulated, “The message the choir is sending together is hope, we are family and when we are singing in Ukraine, it’s not like a song, it’s like ‘God help our nation’… our message gives hope to people.” Singer Lesia noted that the colours of their traditional costumes convey diverse meanings, which she characterized as “really powerful.” She explained, “In Ukraine, we have 24 regions and every region has their own style and history.” Lesia also stated she is “very, very pleased” to have the opportunity to wear these costumes while performing in a choir, a pursuit she described as a “dream since childhood.” Sarah Summers, choir leader for the Good Afternoon Choir Organisation, commented, “We first worked with Marina and the Ukrainian choir in the summer and this is such a lovely time to be bringing everyone together again.” She further indicated that the singers “love” discovering Ukrainian culture and establishing connections with the Ukrainian choir. Summers concluded, “We’ve had a great time and I know my choirs are very excited and I hope that comes across, because if we’re enjoying it, the audience will enjoy it as well.” The event is scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 GMT at Pattern Church in Swindon. For further updates, BBC Wiltshire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.