Perth prepares to host Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations this weekend

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Perth is preparing to host what will probably be Scotland's largest Ukrainian Independence Day celebration this weekend.Ukrainians from across Scotland will come to the Fair City to perform and celebrate the country's annual marking of its independence from the USSR in 1991.Ukraine's Independence Day is officially on August 24 but the Perth event will take place on Sunday, August 20.The event is being organised by Perth and Kinross councillor Steven Carr who has spent a lot of time putting together a packed agenda of performances.Surrounded by Ukrainian flags - he has been busily tying up in his council office - he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "As well as the Ukrainian performers (and local mothers cooking Ukrainian food) we have local organisations providing entertainment.

Inflatables from Bedlam, Saints in the Community with their outdoor football pitch, Adventure Circus, Julie Young dancers, arts and crafts and face painting stalls, and support from the local Polish community."And it is not just Ukrainians who have settled in the Perth and Kinross area who will be attending.

They are coming from far and wide to perform with - in a change from last year's event - about 90 per cent of the performances being Ukrainians.Steven said: "Performers are travelling from all over Scotland to attend this event, which I’m pretty sure will be the biggest of its kind in Scotland.

We’ve performers coming from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and even as far away as Peebles."There will be a parade on the North Inch starting at 1130 at the 51st Highlanders monument - near Smeaton's Bridge - and finishing opposite Rose Terrace.Perth and Kinross Council and Dnipro Kids - the charity Steven chairs - are jointly funding the event.