Ukrainian-themed Kupala Festival celebrates midsummer at the lake in Waterbeach
Midsummer was celebrated at the Ukrainian-themed Kupala Festival at The Lake in Waterbeach on Sunday.
The festival of fire, water, and nature centres around the summer solstice, and incorporates both pagan and Christian elements.
The occasion is an opportunity for community gatherings featuring singing, dancing, food and events including a competition to find the best vyshyvanka on display - vyshyvanka being the embroidered shirt or blouse that is distinctively Ukrainian. One of the tents also featured ‘vinok’ makers: the vinok, a traditional headdress worn by young Ukrainian women, is made from flower and grass wreaths.
Speakers emphasised the inclusivity of the festival, the celebratory nature of the occasion, and the fact that such events are “an act of defiance against those who would erase Ukraine”.
Stalls included Natalia’s Dream from Peterborough, whose incredible menu showcased sweet and savoury Ukrainian fare - hopefully they’ll open in Cambridge soon!
Ukrainian beekeepers Pure Mustard Honey from Dry Drayton had a stall showcasing their honeycombs, run by Natalia Yartseva who said they were entering a UK-wide competition to find the best honey, which will take place at the Cambridge Country Fair in August.
Over at the Brew By the Lake cafe Vadym Granovskiy was busy squeezing juice for the signature flat red from Ukraine made from fresh pomegranates, orange juice and coffee. Vadym had created150 coffees by mid-afternoon, while nearby Ukrainian crafts, clothes and food was drawing the crowds.
Running though this “act of defiance” in the face of the full-scale Russian invasion of 24 February 24, 2022 was the awareness that Ukraine continues to face a battle for survival after three years on the battlefield and millions displaced in the largest forced migration in Europe since the end of World War II. A minute’s silence was held for Ukraine’s fallen, estimated by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) at 12,654 civilian men, women, girls, and boys killed (confirmed). In addition, 32,744 Ukrainians have been wounded, and 20,000 Ukrainian children forcibly transferred into Russia.
Over at Convoy4Ukraine, chair Tom Walston and driver Jamie Sandison explained that the team was getting ready to do its 10th shipment of aid and 4x4s to Ukraine in September.
“By the end of that convoy we will have taken 12 vehicles to Ukraine,” he said. “We leave them there - the 4x4s are the most important part, though we also took an ambulance one time. Our volunteers have ranged from 20 to 80 years old.”
He added: “The September convoy will involve 16 vehicles at least - it gets bigger every time and it all helps give them the strength to carry on”.
By mid-afternoon the dancing started, the sun was shining and later in the afternoon the vyshyvanka competition brought some beautifully dressed children in their finest Ukrainian shirts to the stage by the new lake in Waterbeach.
Organiser Inna said: “This year, the Kupala Festival was a great success. More than 500 guests of various nationalities attended the event. I sincerely thank the British and Ukrainian communities, as well as the organisations and small businesses whose joint efforts helped us create an authentic atmosphere and share more about Ukraine and the 'Return the Stolen Children' campaign.”
The event was organised in support of UK Friends of Ukraine. Details here.
