Ukraine solidarity event at Preston’s Flag Market this Sunday

Light and shade on the city's Flag Market Pic: Tony Worrall — The Flag Market in Preston Pic: Tony Worrall

On Sunday 21st August, an event to show solidarity with Ukraine will be held at Preston’s Flag Market.

The event will run from 12pm to 4pm and will have a range of family-friendly activities such as flag making, face painting for children, music and more.

The event will also act as a collection point for members of the public to donate much needed items to those in Ukraine.

The event will be supported by Preston’s Mayor, Councillor Neil Darby.

There are more than six million refugees that have fled from Ukraine, with 100 people living in the Preston area and approximately 1000 people in Lancaster.

Many of the Ukrainian refugees have harrowing tales to tell, including Olena.

Olena said: “I am from Kharkiv. It’s only 25km from the Russian border. Kharkiv has been bombed every day since February 24, not one quiet day. More than 150 schools were destroyed.

“At first, only volunteers and churches helped people. There were neighbourhoods where only these two could provide access to food and medicine.

“Today, there are still villages where food is delivered only by armoured vehicles. I am glad that I left on time and that there were many active people who united together to do the greatest job of helping others.

“My husband keeps telling me that he can do this much only because he knows that we are safe. I pray and I really hope that the war will stop soon and all the cities of Ukraine will be safe.”

Mayor of Preston, Neil Darby said: “I am pleased to join the solidarity event on Sunday, to show support with our Ukrainian friends. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a major humanitarian crisis, seeing families displaced and fleeing their country for safety elsewhere.

“Joining together with Ukrainians living in Preston and the surrounds, reaffirms our commitment to friendship, support and solidarity with the Ukraine people now, and in the future.”

There will be donation points at the event on Sunday, where the below items have been urgently requested so that they can be directed to residents of Ukraine: