Rugby on parade for Ukrainian Independence Day

Cllr Simon Ward was joined on the parade by Ukrainian refugees who have made Rugby home since Russia's invasion, together with fellow borough councillors and Rugby MP, John Slinger.

Rugby's Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations formed part of the international Make Noise For Ukraine campaign, which aimed to signal NATO's support for the people of Ukraine and the country's fight to protect its culture, tradition, language and statehood.

After gathering on the Town Hall steps at 5pm, Cllr Ward joined the Mayor's cadet, Cadet Sgt Alessia Fracchia of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets' 29F (Rugby) squadron, to lead the crowd through Caldecott Park, with participants carrying Ukrainian flags and many of the refugees wearing traditional clothing.

Cllr Ward said: "It was an absolute honour to lead the Ukrainian Independence Day parade around Caldecott Park.

"A big thank you to all who came along to show their support and everyone in the borough who has opened their homes and supported our Ukrainian friends through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

"To our Ukrainian friends in Rugby, you will always have a special place in our hearts and we will always support you where we can."

Ukraine officially declared itself independent from the Soviet Union on 24 August 1991.