Ukrainian Independence Day to be marked in North Northamptonshire

22 August 2022

Ukrainian families and their hosts in North Northamptonshire are being encouraged to join the nation in commemorating Ukrainian Independence Day on Wednesday 24 August, when 31 years ago, in 1991, Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union.

The Ukrainian flag will be flown at various locations during the week at the meet and greet family fun picnics being organised by North Northamptonshire Council officers for hosts and their guests who have arrived in North Northamptonshire under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

Events are being held at Barnwell, East Carlton & Irchester Country Parks, Wicksteed Park and Stanwick Lakes across this week, where hosts and guests can catch up with old friends and make new friends, seek advice and support from council officers and other services, as well as enjoying the fun and games for all the family.  

People are encouraged to show their support for the Ukrainian people ahead of their Independence Day by displaying an image of sunflowers in their windows and using the hashtags #SunflowersForUkraine and #StandforFreedom. A template of a sunflower image is available on our website which can be downloaded, printed and then coloured in to display in windows.

It is great to see the people of North Northamptonshire have welcomed Ukrainian families into their homes and communities, and that we are able to come together to commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day. I would encourage everyone across North Northamptonshire to display a sunflower on Wednesday 24 August to demonstrate your support for the people of Ukraine. 

I am sure the events that we are hosting will make a difference and help the families joining us settle further into life in North Northamptonshire. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is making the events possible and those partners who have supported throughout.Cllr Helen Harrison, the council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing

The stories and scenes we have all seen in Ukraine have shocked and horrified us and we continue to stand with those affected. I am so pleased that we are able to come together and support the Ukrainians who have arrived in North Northamptonshire at what must be extremely difficult time.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

Through the Homes for Ukraine resettlement scheme, North Northamptonshire Council have supported the arrival of nearly 400 Ukrainian guests and continue to be grateful for the support and welcome provided by our residents and communities across North Northamptonshire.

For more information on the resettlement scheme and how you can help, please visit our website.