A two week-long event featuring Ukrainian and British artists, dancers, musicians and singers. Something for everybody.
Includes
Artur Orlyonov paintings: Natalia Bilyk paintings: : Roman Bonchuk satirical art: Ruslan Ganushchak war photography: Doll Making: Sunflower Wales Ukrainian Dancers: Kalinova Sisters: Tetiana Frey Artillery Art: Pysanka Egg Painting: Display of Art and Crafts: History Talk: Kosachky Choir: Olha Hornych Opera Singer: Zoia Kobzarenko Youth Band: Nota Bene Choir: Dzvinco Choir: Slavio and Iryna Pole: Anhelina Novitska: Singing Circle Cardiff: Mriya Dance: Ukrainian School Kolo
Entry for the exhibition and all events is by donation. Please just pay what you can afford. Workshops and some concerts and talks are ticketed to avoid disappointment. Look here for individual events and ticketing links: The Folk of Gloucester | Facebook
Something for everyone, young and old alike.
Many of those taking part, and giving their time and talents to this festival, have been relocated to England from Ukraine. Come along and show your support.
To start our weekend of song, dance and music, join us for the ceremony of bread and salt... a traditional Ukrainian welcome in which guests are invited to share bread with each other. It also features songs from Slavio and Iryna Pole and from Ukrainian teenagers now living in Gloucester
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Ukrainian Art Frontier CIC presents an exhibition "Ancient Ukraine - Britanii: Common Heritage" a project that has been created as a collaboration of Ukrainian artists, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and BristlAid4Ukraine.
We want to introduce our rich history and culture and show our Ukrainian spirit to the international community. We are also looking for possibly to hold a charitable concert presenting Ukrainian classical and contemporary artists. INFO ART FRONTIER invites public and volunteer organizations to cooperate in helping to hold further exhibitions to promote Ukrainian history and culture. This exhibition features landscape art, portraiture and some unique artworks.
It is free to enter at any time that the Folk of Gloucester is open. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Artur Orlyonov was born in 1973 in Tashkent, he studied at the Tashkent Art Collage (now P.P. Benkova Collage) from 1988 to 1992.
In 1999 he graduated from the Ukrainian Academy of Fine Arts and in 2003 mastered his aptitude in battle painting.
He was awarded the following honours; the Medal of St. Vladimir, the Medal of Cyril and Methodius, the Medal of Herodotus Halikarnassky, the Medal of Clio, and the Medal of Nestor, the Chronicler.
His paintings the story of Yaroslav the Wise and his princess daughters. One of them, Agatha of Kyiv, became English Queen and gave birth to Edgar Atheling - King of England. Agatha's eldest daughter Margaret married the Scottish king. Margaret's four sons became kings of Scotland in their time. Margarita - Queen of Scotland, the granddaughter of Yaroslavthe Wise, became the first Scottish saint. Agatha's daughter Matilda was the Queen of England, the great-grandmother of the legendary King Richard the Lionheart.
Natalia Bilyk was born in 1974 in the picturesque Carpathian region. She developed a love for drawing while still at school and continued her studies at Carpathian University. Her more than 2,300 talented paintings are presented at 20 personal exhibitions around the world.
Her art reflects the life of nature and objects, passed through the prism of the artist's vision and with an admixture of her emotions and feelings. Ms. Natalia's paintings are full of rich colours and emotions.
Roman Bonchuk - an experienced artist (over 20 years), designer, restorer, art director. Was born on November 11, 1980 in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. He works in the style of impressionism, realism, surrealism and abstractionism. Uses a variety of materials: oil, acrylic, watercolour, ink, pastel, gouache, tempera, etc. He loves experiments.
The artist often in his works refers to recognized masterpieces of world art. He also uses satire and irony to convey all the absurdity of the current circumstances.
Ruslan Ganushchak Filmmaker, journalist, and photographer Ruslan Ganushchak was born in the picturesque Carpathian city of Ivano-Frankivsk. His deep love for his country and its people was reflected in the illuminating documentaries and TV series he created while traveling over the years. Ruslan participated in numerous film festivals as a director, videographer, and photographer, with his work gaining recognition both in Ukraine and abroad, including in Poland, Germany, and the United States.
From the first days of the invasion, Ruslan was on the front lines, capturing the human stories behind the war. With the launch of the Kharkiv counteroffensive, he made the courageous decision to swap his camera for a military uniform, joining the 92nd Brigade of the Ukrainian Army. His battalion took part in the liberation of the Kharkiv and Kherson regions and crossed into Russia’s Kursk region.
But on January 12, 2025, Ruslan did not return from the front line.
Ukrainian artist Tetina Fey has created a unique set of artworks made from the remains of exploded munitions from the war in Ukraine. Some highlight the horror of the conflict whilst other feature images of sylvan scenes.
The Motanka Doll is a charming family amulet that has been decorating Ukrainian homes for more than 5000 years. It symbolises tradition and is believed to provide protection to the home.
In this 3 hour workshop led by Vera Stadon you will learn how to make one… and take it home. The class is suitable for all. No sewing or stitching is required. All materials are provided.
We want this workshop to be accessible to all, especially Ukrainians who have been displaced to the UK because of the war, so we are pricing this workshop at just £5 to cover the cost of materials. However, we believe that this workshop is worth much more than that. So, if you can, we suggest an additional donation of £10 should be given on the day to the workshop leader.
Slavio and Iryna are a creative family from Ukraine. Before the war, they worked as professional musicians in Ukraine. The have performed live throughout the Ukraine, in China and, more recently, the UK.
Iryna is a songwriter, singer and author. Slavio is a composer and music producer creating music in several styles from pop music to cinematic. One of the first songs he wrote in the UK was ‘Strength Of Will’, written especially for a project about Ukrainians who came to Dorset because of the war, organised by the As One Theatre company director Jane McKell.
Here in the UK, Slavio took part in the international competition ‘Golden Time Talent’ and won 1st place five times. The lyrics for the songs in each case were written by Iryna. They also took part in the ‘UK Songwriting Contest’ where both were highly commended.
Zoia is a girl who loves singing and was given a beautiful voice, so she is using to share Ukrainian culture with people
Ukrainian embroidery is a cherished form of folk decorative art, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage. Traditionally, it is used to adorn clothing, particularly women’s and men’s shirts, with intricate patterns rich in symbolism.
We invite you to join us for a hands-on embroidery workshop, where you will learn the traditional technique of the Poltava region.
During the session, participants will create their own embroidered amulet, infusing it with personal meaning while giving the timeless Ukrainian motifs a contemporary twist.
Bandura Group Gloucester directed by Galina Grigoriadi at AUGB Gloucester
The group was formed in March 20024 and welcomed displaced Ukrainians and representatives of Ukrainian diaspora. Traditional Ukrainian songs as well as some popular songs are included in repertoire of the group.
Galina Grigoriadi at AUGB Gloucester formed the Gloucester Children's Bandura Group in March 2024
Kiyrylo Avilov managed to leave Ukraine at the beginning of the war with his mum and brought his precious saxophone with him. He currently lives near Reading and plays in various bands. He has been a member of the Ukraine Solidarity Jazz Band since January 2023 and played in all their concerts. The Band will be playing next in Cheltenham on the 7th off June 2025
Ukrainian Vocalist Project DZVIN.CO, established in March 2023, brings together professional singers from various regions of Ukraine impacted by the war. Our repertoire includes traditional Ukrainian folk pieces with a modern twist, along with pop, Christmas carols and jazz classics, performed a cappella.
Since its inception, the collective has performed at multiple venues for various occasions. DZVIN.CO was the opening act at a concert of Okean Elzy, the top rock band in Ukraine for the past 30 years, at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2023. We have also participated in charitable recording sessions with renowned British musicians and composers, and performed at events at the Embassy of Ukraine, as well as at multiple concerts and festivals.
https://www.instagram.com/dzvin.co?igsh=MWw2NWRicmpmYWdnMQ==
.Ukrainian Dance ensemble “Stefania”has been performing in the UK folk and contemporary dances from different parts of Ukraine since April 2022.
“Stefania” has united professional and semi-professional dancers from Ukrainian cities,
affected by the war.
The program we perform includes verity of dances that represent the beauty and diversity of Ukrainian music and culture.
We dance a passionate Kolomyika from Carpathian Mountains and “My beloved Kyiv” waltz from the hills of Dnipro River for you with love.
https://instagram.com/stefania_dance_ensemble?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
A CONFLICT OF HISTORIES – an analysis of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The talk will focus on a battle beyond the battlefield and analyse the war as a clash of interpretations of history.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Andriy Kobzarenko holds a PhD in Political Science and has a twenty-year-long experience of working as a political analyst with international organisations in Ukraine as well as for Ukraine’s government.
"An excellent short history of a complex land... highly recommended"
Styx of Stroud is a mixed Border Morris side based in Stroud, which is where we practice through the winter, and where we're often found dancing outside pubs and at fetes and festivals and Wassails.
Border Morris hails from the borders of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and a little bit of Gloucestershire, and is a louder and less precise form of dance than the more traditional Cotswold style - we watch that with envy! We wear tattercoats and top hats and disguise our faces with black and red paint, and there's a lot of shouting and clashing of our long sticks of whittled hazel.
We celebrated ten years together in 2023, although we have members of the side joining and leaving all the time, it's always someone's first time dancing in public. We particularly love dancing on the cobbled streets of Gloucester, which is one of our favourite places, so we'll be limbered up and ready to dance with our friends from Ukraine.
Novitska Angelina is 14 years old and currently living in Cheltenham. She is currently studying at All Saints Academy. She started playing drums in the Orchestra of Drums in Kyiv when she was just eight years old and has played ever since. Unfortunately, the orchestra broke up because of the war and then she came to England. She has also been a singer since eight years old
Alla Migay is a composer, singer, and TV presenter. She is also the writer of various popular Ukrainian songs including: "Sonko Drimko", "Sim Shlyakhiv" and "Ukrainian Borscht". She is also the leader of the vocal group "Vyshyvanka" and a music teacher at the Ukrainian School in Malvern..
Alla Postolatii and Oleksandr Paraskevin got together to sing in 2024. Alla has been a Gloucester resident for many years. She is also a music teacher and local choir leader. She met Oleksandr when he fled from the war and they decided to form a duo to perform Ukrainian songs.
The choir was created in 2018 by Alla Postolaty with the support of the Ukrainian diaspora in Gloucester. It works to preserve Ukrainian culture, in particular Ukrainian song and Ukrainian choral art.
Ukrainian School "Kolo" in Gloucester welcomes its students from 5 to 18 years old every Saturday. In classes we study Ukrainian language and literature, history and geography of Ukraine, traditions and culture, sing traditional and authentic songs, dance and hold various master classes. We travel together and take part in various events throughout England. We invite you to our friendly Ukrainian Kolo!
Pysanky are traditional Ukrainian Easter Eggs decorated with wax symbols and dipped in coloured dye. They represent rebirth and resurrection. Ex colour and symbol holds meaning and significance. Traditionally 13 eggs would be made: one for Christ and for each of the disciples.
This workshop is suitable for all. All materials are provided.
Because we want everyone to be able to take part, especially Ukrainians who have been displaced by war, we are selling tickets at just £5. This covers materials. However we believe that this workshop is worth much more than that, so we encourage you, if you can, to make a donation of at least £10 to the workshop leader on arrival.
Get tickets here: Pysanky Easter Egg Decorating Workshop at The Folk of Gloucester event tickets from TicketSource
The Vyshyvanka group of Hereford was created two years ago. There are 12 people in the group of different ages. Their repertoire includes folk songs and works by modern authors - Ivasyuk, Poklad, Petrinenko, as well as the group's leader, composer Alla Migay. Alla is known as the author of popular songs "Sonko Drimko", "Ukrainian Borscht", "Sim Shlyakhiv" and others. She has the title of “Honoured Artist of Ukraine”.
Throughout the day there will be an opportunity to buy a variety of Ukrainian craft items. All are produced by Ukrainians living in Britain.
These include:
Yulia moved from Ukraine with her son after the war began. She has sung for pleasure her entire life and participated in many regional competitions and festivals. Over the last few years, Yulia has stopped performing to concentrate on family life. However, since arriving in Britain, she has found new energy to start singing again and is excited to join the festival.
Taras Shalaiev is a talented young Ukrainian bandura player and vocalist, whose artistry has earned him recognition as a winner and laureate of numerous international and national festivals and competitions. A graduate of Lviv Art School No. 10 in the bandura class, he continues to refine his craft as a student at Trafford College in the UK. Taras is also a soloist of the Ukrainian choir Slava in Manchester, bringing the rich musical heritage of Ukraine to international audiences.
The Ukrainian dance ensemble “Mriya” (meaning “Dream”) was established in February 2024 in Birmingham under the guidance of choreographer Yana Kolodovska. Rehearsals were held at a local school in Birmingham, welcoming all those eager to support and develop Ukrainian folk dance in the United Kingdom. Currently, the ensemble boasts over 30 members hailing from various regions of Ukraine, all committed to celebrating and upholding the beauty and strength of the Ukrainian spirit through the art of dance.
One of the highlights of our festival.
The Ukrainian vocal ensemble "Kozachky" was created in October 2022 from a group of women who were forced to leave their homes and relocate to Bristol because of the war. The group hails from different parts of Ukraine: Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Melitopol, Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia. It includes musicians, singers, managers, scientists, doctors and beauticians.
To hear her choir Kozachky follow this link: Укр.нар. пісня 'Розпрягайте хлопці коней' хор-Козачки/Ukr.Trad. Song 'Unharness Horse Boys' KOZACHKY (youtube.com)
Tickets are priced at just £5 so that this workshop can be as accessible to as many people as possible. Please make an additional donation if you can when you visit the Folk of Gloucester. Tickets: Kozachky at The Folk of Gloucester event tickets from TicketSource
Galyna Grigoriadi is a professional bandura player and singer from Ukraine. She came to Hereford with her family to seek safety. And one thing she brought with her from war torn country was her instrument. Bandura represents a soul of Ukraine.
Galyna runs bandura classes for adults in Hereford and for adults and children in Gloucester.
If you would like to try something new or learn to play bandura, join bandura workshop, no previous experience needed.
.We want this workshop to be accessible to all, especially Ukrainians who have been displaced to the UK because of the war, so we are pricing this workshop at just £5 to cover the cost of materials. However, we believe that this workshop is worth much more than that. So, if you can, we suggest an additional donation of £10 should be given on the day to the workshop leader. Tickets: Play the Bandura with Galyna at The Folk of Gloucester event tickets from TicketSource
Victoria says:
We are a family from the Zaporizhia region of Ukraine.
We do not have a name as we are not professional singers. We are a family who loves singing, it is not only a hobby for us, but also a way of keeping and sharing our culture.
We hope that our singing will touch your hearts ❤️
Master class on making and decorating candles from natural coloured honey wax.
Making honey candles with your own hands is a great activity and in some ways is a meditation. The smell of honey cheers you up and calms your nerves. You also can decorate them in whatever way you choose to create a unique gift.
This workshop is suitable for all. All materials are provided.
Because we want everyone to be able to take part, especially Ukrainians who have been displaced by war, we are selling tickets at just £5. This covers materials. However we believe that this workshop is worth much more than that, so we encourage you, if you can, to make a donation of at least £5 to the workshop leader on arrival.
Making Candles with Oksana Veremeyenko at The Folk of Gloucester event tickets from TicketSource
Katrin, originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, arrived in England in May 2022. She began singing at the age of five and has never stopped. For her, Ukrainian folk songs are a powerful connection to her homeland, preserving its rich culture and traditions. These songs capture the shared experiences of the Ukrainian people, accompanying every stage of life—from birth to death—with heartfelt melodies.
Join our workshop and make a unique Sylianka necklace.
The duo Sisters Kalianova from Pavlograd which is in central east Ukraine, located within the Dnipropetrovsk region. Two sisters came to the UK in the summer of 2022. In November, they formed a band to promote Ukrainian culture and support the Ukrainian military.
The instrument on which they will play is the Ukrainian folk instrument bandura, which has a long history and is known for its unique sound. The instrument can have 55 to 68 strings. You can play the bandura with both fingers and special plastic "nails", which allows you to evoke a variety of sounds and melodies. Bandura is an integral part of the Ukrainian musical tradition and is distinguished by its sophistication and emotional sound
In their program you can hear folk melodies, as well as works by Ukrainian authors.
Amateur group «Співуче Коло»-"Singing Circle" was formed as an initiative of Ukrainians who temporary moved to Wales following the invasion. Its participations are from different parts of Ukraine that came together to promote Ukrainian heritage through the song and help Ukraine.
For past 2 years, the group was a participant of many district festivals and other events
Olha is a celebrated opera singer from Lviv in Ukraine, currently living in Bristol
Her experience includes solo performances in Ukraine and Europe, work on TV(Ukrainian show “Surise”), singing projects and coaching in vocals. Completed master's degree at Lviv Academy (opera singing) and ensemble singing (European choral academy in Goerlitz, Germany).
She is very happy to present the Ukrainian repertoire and also to perform opera arias in English, Italian, French and German.
A concert by Ukrainian musicians and singers who have been displaced from Ukraine and are now living in the UK. It features several world class artists.
A two hour concert featuring pop, folk and classical music from some of the best Ukrainian musicians and singers in the UK. The finale will feature the well-known song “Oh u luzi chervona kalyna”.
Entrance is free but, if you can, please make a donation.
The Folk of Gloucester is a project situated within a 16th century Tudor building with the City community at its heart. Honouring and learning about our past, by bringing people together from the present, our aim is to keep the history of Gloucester city alive through the telling of stories. All events take place within the buildings that make up the Folk of Gloucester, in it's courtyard or in St Nicholas's Church which is directly across the road.
Bishop Hooper House
99-103 Westgate Street
Gloucester
GL1 2PG
Directions: Folk of Gloucester - Google Maps
(44) 07843 241371
robin@robinburton.co.uk
Churchdown, England
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