A benefit concert in support of Ukraine will be held in Reading later this month, nearly one year on from Russia’s decision to illegally invade the European country.
It will be held at Reading Town Hall, with all proceeds going to the Ukrainian community, including the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, which has been supporting refugees for much of the past year.
Reading Borough Council is staging the event, which will “showcase the beautiful richness of Ukrainian culture”.
It will be hosted by Matt Allwright, who grew up in Reading and is the presenter on The One Show and Watchdog, and Mel Bloor of ITV Meridian.
Among the acts will be the dance ensemble Prolisok, who recently appeared on the BBC’s One Show. They will be premiering a special written dance for the event.
Other acts include Mirage, who perform a modern take on traditional Ukrainian songs.
The national instrument of Ukraine, the bandura, will be London ensemble Band Era who took part in BBC Radio Berkshire’s carol concert last year.
These and other special guests performing both in English and Ukrainian will be among those taking to the stage.
The evening has been organised by the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, and the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden (Labour, Whitley), and Reading Borough Council.
Mick Pollek, from the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, said: “This is an opportunity for us to thank all the people who have so generously helped and continue to support us and our newly arrived visitors.
“With the war still raging and our friends and family under daily pressure, this is an opportunity for us to showcase who and what Ukrainians are.
“For people to see that our diverse culture and traditions are worth protecting. Slava Ukraini.”
Cllr Eden said: “Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost one year ago, the Ukrainian people have endured horrific atrocities and shown great courage. People in Reading have been determined to show solidarity a wide range of ways once again proving that we are a City of Sanctuary, not only in name, but in our actions.
“This concert will raise vital funds but also be a celebration of Ukrainian culture which we know is under threat from Putin’s ideology – making it even more important that we celebrate it.
“For those of us lucky enough never to have to flee our homes while war is still raging can’t imagine what Reading’s Ukrainian community have gone through but we can show support.
“I’d urge everyone who can to come along and enjoy Ukrainian music and dance, while also showing our continued support to Ukraine.”
Both Cllr Eden and Mr Polleck spoke passionately at an event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
The concert begins at 7.30pm on Friday, February 17. Tickets cost £27 and can be booked via the What’s On Reading website.
