A CULTURAL event in aid of Ukraine, held at St Asaph Cathedral, raised more than £4,000 to support the war-torn country.
The event, which take place on February 4, raised a total of £4,431.26, which will be used to purchase a night vision device to assist in clearing Ukrainian territories of mines, and to partially fund a car for a combat zone.
This was a fourth such concert which has taken place across Conwy and Denbighshire since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 12 months ago, and the event was arranged entirely by Ukrainian volunteers.
On this occasion, it was hosted by Tetiana from Prestatyn, whose sons, Vova and Mykola, also took part in the concert.
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Helen Denning, originally from Ukraine and who now lives in Llandudno, said: “We feel humbled by the generosity of Diocese of St Asaph and all the people attending our Ukrainian cultural event.
“The music concert, combined with an informative presentation about Ukraine, brought tears to many people’s eyes. There was singing, dancing, violin and piano performances.
“Galyna, a brave Ukrainian lady, told us how she travelled with her small daughter from Kharkiv, in eastern Ukraine, to her host family in St Asaph via Poland, meeting wonderful people on her way.
“We actually gathered in the Cathedral thanks to Galyna, who was inspired, while attending a carol service, to hold our concert in this historic and beautiful building.”
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As well as renditions of Ukrainian music, natives of the country shared their life stories, while a presentation was given about the nation.
After the concert, there were raffles and refreshments, with attendees able to buy souvenirs from Ukraine and hand-made gifts by Ukrainians and North Wales residents.
Helen added: “We also had a speech from Nick Brown, a local man, who has visited Ukraine twice since the war began almost 12 months ago.
“He was sharing his experience in Ukraine and showing photographs of his journey. He still keeps in touch with volunteers in Bila Tserkva in Ukraine, and would like to go back to help out, but with fuel prices so high, he would require sponsors this time.
“Anthony Harrison, a professional photographer from St Asaph, was inspired by the resilience of Ukrainian refugees, and thereby decided to create a photographic gallery having Ksenia, a Ukrainian dancer living in North Wales, as his model.
“Ksenia danced for us at the concert a very emotional dance depicting the suffering of Ukrainian people. The proceeds from the sale of Anthony's photographs have been kindly donated to our fund.
“We are very grateful to British people who support us with our events. Carol Marubbi, the mayor of Llandudno and the chair of Trinity Centre, is one of them.
“We would not have managed without her continuous support. She has been with us from the start of the war and patiently let us use Trinity Centre for our meetings and rehearsals.”
A performance by some of the participants at this event will also be given at St Mary’s Church, Conwy on Saturday, March 4.
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