Reading Hosts Ukraine Benefit Concert One Year On
ONE year on from the invasion of Ukraine, Reading will come together later this month to host a benefit concert at Reading Town Hall, with all proceeds going to communities affected.
The concert, on Friday February 17, will showcase the beautiful richness of Ukrainian culture and raise desperately-needed funds for the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre who have been supporting Ukrainians caught up in the conflict, through the Mayor of Reading’s local appeal http://www.reading.gov.uk/mayorsappeal
The BBC’s Matt Allwright – who grew up in Reading and is the presenter on The One Show and Watchdog will co-host the evening’s entertainment with Mel Bloor of ITV Meridian, which begins at 7.30pm.
Reading residents and organisations are being asked to support the local tribute concert by booking tickets at Good Evening, We're from Ukraine! A Benefit Concert for Ukraine | What's On Reading (whatsonreading.com)
The evening is being hosted by the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, together with the Mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden and Reading Borough Council.
Amongst the acts will be the dance ensemble “ Prolisok”, who recently appeared on the BBCs One Show. The dance group will be premiering a special written dance for the fundraising event. Other acts include Mirage, who perform a modern take on Ukrainian songs.
Playing the bandura the national instrument of Ukraine is London ensemble “Band Era” who took part in BBC’s Radio Berkshire’s carol concert in 2022. These and other special guests performing both in English and Ukrainian will be among those taking to the stage.
Mick Pollek of Reading Ukrainian Community Centre said: “This is an opportunity for us to thank all the people who have so generously helped and continue to support us and our newly arrived visitors. With the war still raging and our friends and family under daily pressure, this is an opportunity for us to showcase who and what Ukrainians are. For people to see that our diverse culture and traditions are worth protecting. Slava Ukraini”
Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, said: "Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost one year ago, the Ukrainian people have endured horrific atrocities and shown great courage. People in Reading have been determined to show solidarity a wide range of ways once again proving that we are a City of Sanctuary, not only in name, but in our actions."
"This concert will raise vital funds but also be a celebration of Ukrainian culture which we know is under threat from Putin’s ideology – making it even more important that we celebrate it. For those of us lucky enough never to have to flee our homes while war is still raging can’t imagine what Reading’s Ukrainian community have gone through but we can show support. I’d urge everyone who can to come along and enjoy Ukrainian music and dance, while also showing our continued support to Ukraine."