‘We won’t let anyone steal our Christmas’ is the message from Ukrainian refugees in Dorset, who are hosting a traditional Christmas celebration including food, song, fun, crafts, and dancing.

A ‘Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Event’ will be held for Ukrainian refugee families and friends on Saturday, January 7 between 5pm and 9pm at St Aldhelm’s Church Centre on Spa Road in Weymouth.

The evening will include 12 traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes, Ukrainian Christmas carols and English Christmas songs, activities for kids, a cinema room, live music and music from the ‘Omega Project’, a charity craft fair, and more. 

It is being held on Ukraine’s Christmas Day, which under the Julian Calendar is on January 7. It is primarily planned by local refugees, with assistance from Weymouth Church volunteers.

Speaking on behalf of Weymouth Churches, Andy Dukes said: “If the character, courage, determination, and ingenuity of the Ukrainians I have had the privilege of working with recently are anything to judge by, it would seem that Mr Putin is going to get a bloody nose.

“We very much hope again that, even if only for a while, we can help take the Ukrainians’ thoughts away from the tragedy that is happening in their homeland and show the wider support that is held for them in our community.”

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Organising Committee has said: “We won’t let anyone steal our Christmas and all the good things we believe in.”

The ‘Charity Craft Stall’ will have a range of traditional and modern craft items for sale. Money raised from this will go to support family members of local refugees who are fighting in Ukraine. This would be items such as food and warm clothing and personal articles.

The entire evening is free and people may bring their own alcoholic drinks if they wish.

During the evening there will be a short group discussion on the use of a £2,000 grant donated from the Dorset Welcome Fund, as well as planning fundraising events later into 2023.

This fund is specifically for supporting the practical needs of local Ukrainian refugees and families. Ukrainians are invited to come prepared with ideas for the money's best use. Additionally, they aim to form a ‘Steering Group’.

Last year refugee families in Dorset enjoyed a fun day out at Cumulus Outdoors Activity Centre in Swanage in September, and a social evening at St Aldhelm’s Church Centre in November.