About the event
The Ukrainian Independence Day celebration was an important event in Swansea, organised by Sunflowers Wales to show Ukraine’s rich culture and heritage whilst raising funds for ongoing relief efforts.
They wanted a venue in Swansea City Centre, to bring together a diverse group of attendees, all united in their support for Ukraine.
Sunflowers Wales is a constituted Community Group that supports Ukrainians in Wales through a variety of initiatives. They focus on providing practical support, cultural events, and raising awareness about Ukraine’s ongoing struggles. The Ukrainian Independence Day event was one of many initiatives by Sunflowers Wales to bring the local community together and strengthen ties between Wales and Ukraine.
Supporting the event with a City Centre venue
This event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Swansea Council and PopUp Wales – funded by UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
PopUp Wales offered the use of Cranes, a former music store in Swansea City Centre, transforming it into a vibrant space for the event. The venue, with its central location and spacious layout, was ideal for hosting an event of this size. It provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with cultural performances, traditional Ukrainian dances, community engagement, and fundraising.
PopUp Wales, known for turning empty units into quality spaces of community significance, worked closely with Swansea Council to secure Cranes for the Ukrainian Independence Day celebration. They helped to manage the event and were even on hand throughout the day to help.
Dr Dmitri Finkelshtein, Chair of Sunflowers Wales, said, “This event was more than just a celebration; it was a beacon of hope for our community. The incredible support we received from the people of Swansea, Swansea Council and PopUp Wales has made a significant difference. Together, we’ve not only raised funds but also awareness about the ongoing challenges in Ukraine. This solidarity is vital, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in future events.”
The event’s impact
The event was not only a cultural celebration but also a successful fundraiser, with over £1,400 raised to support Ukraine with medical supplies.
The success of the Ukrainian Independence Day event has opened the door for further collaborations between Sunflowers Wales, Swansea Council, and PopUp Wales. The organisers are keen to explore more opportunities to use Cranes and other locations across Swansea for cultural and community events.
Discussions are already underway about involving the Ukrainian dance team in future Swansea Bay Street Markets, continuing the momentum of cultural exchange and community building.
The space will also be actively supporting local businesses. Some of the event organisers who were selling crafts, clothes and food enquired about using the space in the future. Retail opportunities are available through market pods, accommodating up to 12 retailers at a time. The space features a creative zone equipped with a screen for films, galleries, presentations, and a podcast area. It’s an ideal setting for test trading, developing a business, or exploring a new idea.
About PopUp Wales
PopUp Wales specialises in transforming vacant spaces into dynamic hubs that benefit the local community, small businesses, and start-ups. Their work in Swansea, particularly through partnerships with Swansea Council, has led to the revitalisation of numerous spaces like Cranes, turning them into venues that encourage community engagement and growth.
The Ukrainian Independence Day celebration is a prime example of their impact, demonstrating how unused spaces can be repurposed to serve important cultural and community needs.
For more information about Sunflowers Wales, visit: www.sunflowerswales.org.uk
For more information on PopUp Wales, visit: www.popupwales.com
PopUp Wales is funded by the UK Government.
