Benefit Concert for Ukraine

About

Benefit Concert for Ukraine
7.30pm Friday 17th Feb 2023
Reading Town Hall Concert Hall Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH

The Prolisok Ukrainian dance ensemble who appeared on the BBCs One Show, Mirage acapella singers and Matt Allwrights Band of Hope join the line-up for the gala Concert for Ukraine, at Reading Town Hall on Friday 17th February 2023 at 7.30pm.

The Zhayvir Bandura players and Band Era who performed in BBC's Radio's 2022 carol concert showcase the national instrument of Ukraine, alongside Ukrainian choirs, The Cossacks dance troupe, classical singer Luisa Kent and musical protege violinist Luka Stepanyak have also been added to the line-up for the Concert for Ukraine.

Tickets for the concert are available at https://whatsonreading.com/venues/concert-hall/whats-on/good-evening-were-ukraine-benefit-concert-ukraine. Also announced to host the concert is the BBC's Matt Allwright, presenter on The One Show, Watchdog and Rogue Trader.

The Concert for Ukraine brings together leading Ukrainian and British artists for a unique evening of hope and support, and most importantly, fundraises for the humanitarian Reading Mayoral Appeal for Ukraine https://www.reading.gov.uk/news/appeal-for-ukraine/. The show is produced by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain - Reading Branch and Reading Council who are supporting hundreds of families displaced by the war in Ukraine.

The concert will combine flamboyant performances and beautiful costumes from across the varied regions of Ukraine and supports the ongoing aid efforts and plight faced by people affected by the war in Ukraine. The money raised from the event will be donated to provide medical aid, food, hygiene and warm clothing to those in need.

Antonio Gresko, Chairman of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) - Reading Branch said "Music and dance is very powerful when it comes to showing support and solidarity for Ukraine. The talented Ukrainian and British performers from across the UK are proud and privileged to be working with Reading AUGB, Reading Council and Reading Lord Mayors office on such an important fundraising event."

"We've seen the generosity of the British public as the war in Ukraine continues to intensify with devastating casualties amongst innocent Ukrainian civilians. This gala benefit concert is an opportunity for attendees to come together through the power of music and dance and show whole-hearted support for Ukraine, and help make a real difference to those affected through the work of the AUGB and Reading community charitable efforts"

"As we've witnessed the horrific attacks in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Vinnytsia Khmelnytskyi, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk unfolding, we want to support and raise money for the people affected by this war. Many families in Ukraine won't have access to gas and electricity as infrastructure continues to be destroyed. The British community has a generous spirit and now more than ever by supporting this concert they can make a real difference."

Said Antonio Gresko "Through this gala concert we can bring hope. Funds raised by this concert will make a real difference to those affected by the war and sends a strong message of help to Ukrainians trying to protect lives and homes. We are grateful to the Lord Mayor of Reading Rachel Eden and MP Matt Roddick and MP Sir Alok Sharma for their support to this concert, the emergency aid and helping families and fighting forces to keep warm and secure with vital protective equipment." "This important fundraising event will raise vital funds for the humanitarian efforts and we are proud to be trying to do what we can for the people of Ukraine in this difficult time."

"Watching the escalating attacks, we want to make a difference. through charity donations, sending urgent protective equipment supplies and continuing support for displaced families. It gives another way for people across the South of England to show support and raise vital funds for those so urgently in need." Lives are being lost amongst innocent civilians in this terrible war and we continue to support the people of Ukraine experiencing immense suffering and hardship.