(Nimue)
During April, The Folk of Gloucester is hosting a Ukrainian festival. This has been put together by Robin Burton – who I've worked with on a number of things, and who sings with Carnival of Cryptids.
The festival has multiple aims. One is to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggles. Some of the art on display directly reflects this. The event is also giving people a chance to find out about Ukrainian culture and traditions, and giving Ukrainian refugees in the UK the chance to come together and share in those traditions.
Putin isn't just trying to invade Ukraine. Russia has a long history of trying to supress Ukrainian culture, and trying to deny the actual history of this country. Keeping that culture alive is an important form of both resistance and survival. I can support that by being present to learn and witness, and by supporting the space being held for sharing Ukrainian culture. Dictators tend to favour homogeny and to outlaw difference. Our cultures, traditions, languages and histories are precious things and should be kept alive. Supporting diversity is always a way of resisting tyranny.
I'm very glad to be a small part of this large and vibrant event. Mostly I'm going along to watch and learn, but next weekend I'll also be singing. The festival includes performers from the British folk traditions as well. Last weekend we had a morris side spelling the Ukrainian dancers. It's good to share, and this is a lovely form of solidarity. It also makes it possible to run a longer day programme and to draw more people in.
If you'd like to find out more, wander this way - https://www.robinburton.co.uk/ukrainefestival
Photo by Keith Errington.
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