People gathered in Bristol to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day.

Friday’s free event was organized by Ukraine Aid and Welfare founder Antonina Grebeniuk, a day before the official national holiday.

“Independence Day holds a special place in the heart of every Ukrainian, both at home and around the world,” Ms Grebeniuk said in a speech.

Hosted by Bristol City Council, the day included traditional music, food and a “powerful” exhibition highlighting the ongoing conflict.

The celebration on August 24 commemorates the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union.

The event has special significance for Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country and live abroad after Russian forces invaded in 2022.

After a minute’s silence, the Ukrainian flag was raised in front of Bristol City Council.

Participants then formed a “chain of unity” around College Green “to symbolise the strength and solidarity of the Ukrainian community and its allies in Bristol,” Ms Grebeniuk explained.

She added that the exhibition, titled “Torn from the Face of the Earth,” was “critically important to our community as it draws attention to the ongoing devastation in Ukraine.”