Midsummer was celebrated at the Ukrainian-themed Kupala Festival at The Lake in Waterbeach on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The festival of fire, water, and nature centres around the summer solstice, and incorporates both pagan and Christian elements.<\/p>\n
Wreathes at the Waterbeach Kupala Festival, 22 June 2025. Picture: Halyna Ustinova<\/p>\n
The occasion is an opportunity for community gatherings featuring singing, dancing, food and events including a competition to find the best shyvanka on display – shyvanka being the embroidered shirt that is distinctively Ukrainian. One of the tents also featured \u2018vinok\u2019 makers: the vinok, a traditional headdress worn by young Ukrainian women, is made from flower and grass wreaths.<\/p>\n
Speakers emphasised the inclusivity of the festival, the celebratory nature of the occasion, and the fact that such events are \u201can act of defiance against those who would erase Ukraine\u201d.<\/p>\n
Olha, left, and Maryna at the 2025 Kupala Festival Picture: Mike Scialom<\/p>\n
Stalls included Natalia\u2019s Dream from Peterborough, whose incredible menu showcased sweet and savoury Ukrainian fare – hopefully they\u2019ll open in Cambridge soon!<\/p>\n
Ukrainian beekeepers Pure Mustard Honey from Dry Drayton had a stall showcasing their honeycombs, run by Natalia Yartseva who said they were entering a UK-wide competition to find the best honey, which will take place at the Cambridge Country Fair in August.<\/p>\n
‘Vinok’, traditional headdresses worn by young Ukrainian women, at the Waterbeach Kupala Festival. Picture: Mike Scialom<\/p>\n
Not far away Vadym Granovskiy<\/a> was busy squeezing juice for the signature flat red from Ukraine made from fresh pomegranates, orange juice and coffee. Vadym had created150 coffees by mid-afternoon, while nearby Ukrainian crafts, clothes and food was drawing the crowds.<\/p>\n Running though this \u201cact of defiance\u201d in the face of the full-scale Russian invasion of 24 February 24, 2022 was the awareness that Ukraine continues to face a battle for survival. A minute\u2019s silence was held for the fallen, estimated at 13,341 Ukrainians killed (confirmed). In addition, 32,744 Ukrainians have been wounded, and 20,000 Ukrainian children forcibly transferred into Russia.<\/p>\nMidsummer dance at the Waterbeach Kupala Festival, 22 June 2025. Picture: Halyna Ustinova<\/p>\n