Sponsored feature by Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
A mother who fled to Southport is hosting a celebration of Ukrainian culture on International Peace Day, to remind people that the country’s situation is ’far from over’ and that people who have fled ‘stand strong’ no matter where they are.
Nina Karetska, 32 years old, arrived in the UK in April 2022 with her 10-month-old daughter, Emilia.
When the war broke out she made the ‘immediate decision’ to leave, coming to Southport through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Nina stayed with Amy and Jaan Talvet who she is ‘incredibly grateful’ for and who was a ‘pillar of support’ during difficult times.
Remembering her last days at home, Nina said she was ‘terrified’.
“I left my home in Odessa on the first day of the war. I remember it vividly—5am, the sound of explosions, and the shock of realising that war had started, that it was happening to us.
“It was terrifying, not so much for my own life, but for my daughter’s. That’s why I made the immediate decision to leave.
Families can enjoy a special day of Ukrainian culture at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport town centre on Saturday, 21st September 2024. The event is organised by Nina Karetska (left) and Vita Mahlovana (right). Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“It was incredibly difficult. We spent nights in the car with my infant daughter. It was February, with temperatures dropping to -10°C, and we were stuck in traffic for 10 days trying to leave the country.
“We slept on the floor whenever we could find a place to stop. At one point, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I saw how hard it was on my daughter. So, we decided to wait in Western Ukraine while we applied for a UK visa.”
While Nina’s parents and some of her relatives still remain in Ukraine, she thought forming a Ukrainian community in Southport was important not only for her but for everyone else who is far from home.
“It provides a sense of belonging, support, and connection to our heritage,” she added.
Families can enjoy a special day of Ukrainian culture at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport town centre on Saturday, 21st September 2024. The event is organised by Nina Karetska (left) and Vita Mahlovana (right). Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Since moving to Southport, Nina has fallen in love with the town – especially the ‘warm and welcoming’ atmosphere. She has been able to find work and build a network of friends.
Her daughter, Emilia is also thriving at nursery and has settled in well.
Now, Nina is excited to bring both Ukrainian and English communities together on Saturday 21st September 2024, with a celebration at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade on Lord Street in Southport.
There will be something for all ages, with workshops where children can learn traditional crafts such as making Motanka dolls, a choir and a DJ showcasing Ukrainian hits.
Families can enjoy a special day of Ukrainian culture at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport town centre on Saturday, 21st September 2024. The event is organised by Nina Karetska (left) and Vita Mahlovana (right). Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Visitors will be able to buy souvenirs and sample traditional Ukrainian baked goods and there will be a raffle at the end of the day with special Ukrainian gifts, some all the way from the country and others which have been handcrafted.
Nina said: “We want to share more about our people and traditions, as we truly have much to offer.
“All proceeds will go towards supporting our community, as we are in great need of support. Our goal is to help each other and pass on our culture to our children.”
Nina says celebrations like these are ‘crucial’ for Ukrainians living in Southport, providing people with an opportunity to come together and support each other whilst also maintaining a sense of community.
“While our country is still at war and many lives are being lost, we have families and friends who remain in Ukraine, enduring this conflict every day.
“By holding events like this, we aim to draw attention to the ongoing struggle and remind people that the situation is far from over.
“We stand strong, no matter where we are.”
Families can enjoy a special day of Ukrainian culture at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport town centre on Saturday, 21st September 2024. The event is organised by Nina Karetska and Vita Mahlovana. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Nina explained how almost every Ukrainian who has fled is still ‘well aware’ of what is going on back home, receiving missile alerts on their phone.
“We are deeply concerned for our loved ones who remain in Ukraine and face uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring.
“The news is profoundly saddening, every day we lose children and innocent civilians due to the constant missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.
“I believe the world has started to forget that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing. It doesn’t seem to be as prominently covered in the news anymore, and that’s concerning because the situation remains dire and continues to impact countless lives.”
She hopes the celebration this month, which is also on International Peace Day, will draw some attention to those who will never forget what is happening to their country.
Nina is excited to share the special day with as many people as possible.
Visitors can enjoy choirs, workshops, singing, theatre performances, a painting workshop, guitar playing, Ukrainian souvenirs and music. You can taste some delicious samples of Ukrainian food.
Come and support Southport’s Ukrainian community at the historic arcade, on Lord Street, on International Peace Day: Saturday, 21st September between 11am and 4pm. Admission free.
Families can enjoy a special day of Ukrainian culture at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport town centre on Saturday, 21st September 2024. Nina Karetska with her daughter
Morning Session
11am-11.30am: Ukrainian Harmony Choir (conducted by Irina Shkrum) will perform traditional Ukrainian folk songs.
12pm-1.30pm: Motanka Doll Workshop led by Olena Kondratenko. Learn how to create a traditional Ukrainian Motanka doll, a symbol of love, family, and well-being.
1pm: Musical Performance by young Nastya Sinkova (15 years old).
Afternoon Session
1.30pm: Mini-Theatre Performance of Ivan Kupala, a traditional Ukrainian summer solstice celebration, directed by Julia Peron.
2pm: Petrykivka Painting Workshop for all ages, led by artist Vita Maglevana. Discover the beauty of this unique Ukrainian folk-art style.
2.30pm: Musical Performance by Nastya Sinkova.
3pm: Raffle with exciting prizes!
3.30pm-4pm: Live guitar performance by Viktor Tyslenko.
4pm: Ukrainian Harmony Choir encore performance.
Throughout the Event:
Enjoy delicious Ukrainian baked goods!
Ukrainian souvenirs.
Dance to the tunes of the Ukrainian DJ.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: [email protected]
