Epsom celebrates Ukrainian culture at Festival of Friendship
The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine brought a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian culture to Epsom from 27 January to 1 February, uniting local organisations and residents in a week of art, music, film and hands-on creativity. Organised jointly by Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Epsom Library and Epsom Picturehouse, the festival highlighted both the richness of Ukrainian traditions and the strong connection between the Ukrainian community and the community of Epsom and Ewell.
The festival was inspired by a cultural project created by Sofia Ziatyk for her final degree work at Chelsea College of Arts, for which she was awarded First Class Honours. Her project explored Ukrainian crafts, rituals and traditions through striking hand-drawn images, forming the heart of the exhibition that anchored the week’s programme.
The official launch event took place on 27 January at Epsom Library and was attended by senior figures from Surrey County Council, the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, and around 100 members of the local community. The atmosphere was one of warmth and curiosity, as visitors gathered to view Sofia Ziatyk’s exhibition and to hear live performances by Ukrainians living in and around Epsom. Traditional music and poetry created a powerful sense of shared experience, giving audiences a glimpse into the traditions and artistic life of Ukraine.
Throughout the week, the library hosted two exhibitions: the display of Sofia Ziatyk’s drawings and Inna Kucherenko’s This Is Me: Recreating – a display of lost photographs and fragments of forgotten history recreated from memory using AI. A special treasure hunt for children invited them to search for pictures and symbols connected with Ukraine, helping younger residents engage with another culture in a fun and accessible way. This initiative proved popular with families and reinforced the festival’s emphasis on learning through participation.
Workshops formed a key part of the festival and were consistently well attended by the local community. Participants had the opportunity to try traditional embroidery and beading techniques, make wool dolls, explore paper cutting and experiment with block printing. These sessions offered more than creative activity; they provided space for conversation, storytelling and mutual understanding. Among those taking part was local MP Helen Maguire, whose presence underlined the importance of the festival as both a cultural and community-building event.
The festival also extended beyond the library into the world of cinema. Epsom Picturehouse, working in collaboration with TalentedU, screened three Ukrainian films: Rocky Road to Berlin, Sanatorium and Home for Ukraine. Audience demand exceeded expectations, with each screening so well attended that a second screen had to be opened. The films offered different perspectives on Ukrainian life and history, giving viewers insight into personal stories and national experiences rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
For many attendees, the festival provided an opportunity not only to discover Ukrainian traditions but also to meet Ukrainian neighbours and hear their voices directly through art and performance. The blend of visual exhibitions, live music and poetry, practical workshops and film created a programme appealing to a wide range of interests and ages, demonstrating how culture can act as a bridge between communities, fostering empathy and connection.
Speaking about the events, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said: “The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine was a truly uplifting and inspiring occasion. It was incredibly moving to see Ukrainian guests of all ages demonstrate how much the creative basis of their culture means to them, whether that be through music, singing or poetry. It was particularly heart-warming to see the younger members of the Ukrainian community perform with such confidence and feeling.”
Organisers described the festival as a true partnership between local institutions and residents. By bringing together Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Epsom Library and Epsom Picturehouse, the project showed what can be achieved through collaboration and shared purpose. The success of the events – from the packed workshops to the oversubscribed film screenings – reflected the enthusiasm of the Epsom community for meaningful cultural exchange.
Originating in the work of a young artist and carried forward by community organisations, the Festival of Friendship – Ukraine transformed everyday spaces into places of discovery and dialogue. For one week, Epsom became a window into Ukrainian culture, reminding all who attended that art and tradition can unite people across borders and experiences.
Mayor Leach with Sofia Ziatyk
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