UkraineFest 2026 — the largest celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day in Wiltshire, will take place at the Swindon Town Gardens on Saturday 22 August.
Following the remarkable success of UkraineFest 2025, which attracted more than 4,000 visitors, this year’s festival promises to be even larger, brighter and more diverse. Organisers are preparing a packed programme that combines Ukrainian traditions with contemporary culture, creativity and entertainment, while bringing together people who believe in the power of freedom, mutual support and unity.
Throughout the day, the main stage will host performances by Ukrainian musicians, singers, choirs and dance groups from London, Reading, Bath, Swindon and other towns and cities across the UK. Visitors can look forward to a blend of modern Ukrainian music and folk traditions, energetic dance performances, beloved songs and a unique festive atmosphere.
Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide selection of traditional Ukrainian dishes and homemade treats, lovingly prepared using authentic recipes. Younger guests can enjoy dedicated areas offering ice cream, candy floss and other favourite children's treats.
Anastasiia Banatska, Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine and originally from Rivne, 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. To see that relationship developing into a formal partnership between our two communities is incredibly emotional and something many Ukrainians in Swindon are proud to celebrate.
“When we organised the first UkraineFest, we simply wanted to bring people together and celebrate our culture. To see it grow into what we believe could be the largest Ukrainian Independence Day celebration in the United Kingdom is remarkable. It shows the strength of the Ukrainian community and the incredible support we have received from the people of Swindon.
“UkraineFest is an opportunity to bring people together, share our culture and say thank you to the town that welcomed us so warmly.”
One of the festival’s highlights will be the arts and crafts area, featuring works by Ukrainian artists on a wide range of themes, from traditional motifs to contemporary art. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet skilled craftspeople and discover traditional Ukrainian handicrafts, including weaving and other forms of decorative and applied arts that have shaped Ukraine’s cultural heritage for centuries.
A special feature this year will be the premiere of the documentary photography project 'A Home with an Open Heart'. This moving exhibition tells the story of British families and Ukrainians whose lives became connected through the Ukraine support scheme. Through photographs and personal stories, the project demonstrates how genuine friendship, trust and mutual respect can emerge during difficult times. Organisers have also prepared special tokens of appreciation and pleasant surprises for the British families who opened their homes to Ukrainians.
The festival’s workshop area will invite adults and children to paint on outdoor easels, decorate tote bags, work with clay, learn macramé techniques and take part in many other creative activities. There will also be a dedicated music zone where visitors can explore a variety of musical instruments and try their hand at making music themselves.
The festival promises a day full of excitement for younger guests, and will include entertainers, giant bubble shows, bouncy castles, interactive activities and countless opportunities for enjoyable family fun. The site will also feature themed photo areas where everyone can capture memorable photographs.
UkraineFest is about far more than music, food and entertainment. This year, organisers hope to establish a new tradition — the Freedom and Unity Parade.
Anastasiia said: "Believing that freedom and independence are values that unite people across the world, the festival team invites representatives of all nationalities, communities and cultures to attend carrying their own flags and take part in a symbolic procession together.
"The parade will serve as a sign of support and friendship, and as a reminder that regardless of our origins, language or skin colour, we are united by a shared aspiration for peace, dignity and freedom."
The festival will also feature local charitable organisations that support Ukrainian families across Wiltshire. Representatives from Swindon Borough Council and the Warm Welcome Team will join the celebrations as valued partners whose support plays an important role in the lives of the Ukrainian community and in the development of initiatives such as this.
Last year, more than four thousand people demonstrated that Ukraine is an important part of Swindon’s multicultural life. This year, organisers hope to welcome even more visitors and create a day that will remain in people’s memories for years to come.
UkraineFest takes place on Saturday 22 August 2026 at the Town Gardens, Swindon from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
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