UKRAINIAN EASTER EVENT
29th April 2023
More than a year after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, moments of connection and celebration continue to bring people together. One such moment took place at St Margaret’s Hall in Bradford-on-Avon, where a Ukrainian Easter event welcomed both Ukrainian families and the local British community.
Families cooked, shared food, and spent time together, while handmade jewellery, decorations, and traditional aprons were available to buy. All proceeds from the stall were donated to support Ukrainian soldiers, giving the celebration a clear sense of purpose alongside its festive atmosphere.
Music became a central part of the event when singer Nicole Medin performed. Her voice drew the room together, adding warmth and meaning to the day. Alongside documenting the event itself, I also photographed a Ukrainian family for my ongoing project Persistence: Road of Life, gifting them printed images as personal keepsakes.
Families cooked, shared food, and spent time together, while handmade jewellery, decorations, and traditional aprons were available to buy. All proceeds from the stall were donated to support Ukrainian soldiers, giving the celebration a clear sense of purpose alongside its festive atmosphere.
Music became a central part of the event when singer Nicole Medin performed. Her voice drew the room together, adding warmth and meaning to the day. Alongside documenting the event itself, I also photographed a Ukrainian family for my ongoing project Persistence: Road of Life, gifting them printed images as personal keepsakes.
The event was especially lively for children, with spaces for painting, drawing, and playing together. Families reconnected, shared meals, and enjoyed a relaxed day filled with conversation and laughter.
As a photographer, I focused on the quieter, everyday moments — children proudly showing their artwork, friends meeting again, and families spending unhurried time together. These small interactions shaped the atmosphere of the event and reflected its sense of togetherness.
Photography allowed me to preserve these fleeting moments, turning simple activities into lasting memories. The joy of the day was found not in grand gestures, but in the ease of being together.
As a photographer, I focused on the quieter, everyday moments — children proudly showing their artwork, friends meeting again, and families spending unhurried time together. These small interactions shaped the atmosphere of the event and reflected its sense of togetherness.
Photography allowed me to preserve these fleeting moments, turning simple activities into lasting memories. The joy of the day was found not in grand gestures, but in the ease of being together.
By the end of the day, I had photographed a wide range of moments using my Nikon D850 and a 24–70mm lens. While some images required small adjustments for noise and colour, the results captured the energy and warmth of the event.
One moment stood out in particular: a young boy, clearly a fan of Nicole, running up to her after her performance for a hug. Capturing that interaction became one of the most meaningful images from the day.
I’m grateful to the Bradford-on-Avon community for organising events like this and creating space for connection, culture, and support. Being able to document moments like these is what makes photography feel purposeful — preserving stories of resilience, care, and shared humanity.
One moment stood out in particular: a young boy, clearly a fan of Nicole, running up to her after her performance for a hug. Capturing that interaction became one of the most meaningful images from the day.
I’m grateful to the Bradford-on-Avon community for organising events like this and creating space for connection, culture, and support. Being able to document moments like these is what makes photography feel purposeful — preserving stories of resilience, care, and shared humanity.
