MORE than 100 Ukrainian refugees and their British host families are to celebrate their national festival in Bradford on Avon today.

The town’s Ukrainian community is hosting the event in Westbury Gardens near the River Avon as part of the national festival of Masnytsia until 3pm.

A spokesperson said: “Everyone is invited to enjoy Ukrainian pancakes, tea, and coffee, and learn more about Ukraine.

“The event will include an act of remembrance to honour all victims of the war as the conflict enters its second year.”

During the celebration, Bradford on Avon Town Council will plant a Kalyna (Guelder Rose) bush, which is a national symbol of Ukraine.

Town resident Felicity Courage, who is hosting a Ukrainian refugee, said: “In Ukraine they have a similar event to pancake day, which we will celebrate, but it will also be a year since the Russian invasion began.

“Come down and share this thought-provoking time with your Ukrainian community.

“One wonderful Ukrainian lady had a lovely idea to plant a rose tree as a thank you to the people of Bradford-on-Avon for supporting Ukrainians in their time of need.

“There will also be plenty of delicious pancakes on sale, activities for children and much, much more. Come and join us for this special occasion.”

The bush has been donated by members of the Ukrainian community to thank Bradford on Avon for its support and welcome.

The Kalyna planting will be the first part of the council’s tree planting initiatives for its climate and ecological emergency declarations.

Donations are invited to help support Ukrainians locally and in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Ms Courage called on Wiltshire Council to provide more support for refugees to move into rented homes instead of using £10 million of funds provided by the government to buy property.   

She told a full Wiltshire Council meeting: “We need that money now.

"Will the council acknowledge that secure housing is a current, urgent and very real need for this community, and provide first month’s rent, deposits and, more importantly, guarantorship to help Ukrainian guests into the private rental sector?"

Cllr Richard Clewer, the leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We are reviewing the recent guidance from government and will share the outcome of this in due course.”