MavkaFest

19/06/2025

19/06/2025

Last week we had the honour of carrying out a small but meaningful mission: delivering aid to Мобільна паліативна допомога дітям КНП "ДМП 6" ОМР- Compass pediatric palliative care unit we supported with the funds raised at MavkaFest 2025.

The last time we visited Дитяча міська поліклініка 6 Compass was in January during its golden days. Last week they invited us inside once again, but this time we walked the same corridors, now devastated. It was heartbreaking.

Strangely, the only place that remained untouched were the toilets - still in perfect condition. Opening the door, you don’t just see the beautiful tiles on the walls, you also hear music playing. It’s the only place I’ve ever encountered such care for visitors - even in the bathroom, they made sure nothing would distract or discomfort anyone. Such a small detail. But so full of thoughtfulness.

Their motto is that everyone who walks through their doors becomes the centre of their attention. And that’s exactly what it feels like. It was and still is. After delivering the aid, we visited their new base in another city clinic, where the palliative and rehabilitation units have now relocated. Thanks to the connections we built and a kindness of Social-Ability company a projector and an access to the Happiness Programme have already been delivered to Compass and are now actively used for the rehabilitation of young patients. A therapist showed me how they use the tools, learn and explore new methods even while working in a tiny, improvised space not fit for their needs.

As one of the Compass team members told us, what’s kept them going since day one after the attack were the words of their director Горіщак Сергій: “We’ll rebuild everything – and it will be even better.”

We believe they will. In this crazy world, where it often seems like evil wins – there are still those who draft plans for healing and launch kindness, while others draft plans for destruction and launch rockets.

We always have a choice in what we plan and what we launch. 💛💙

25/05/2025

17/05/2025

🌿 Panel Discussion at Mavka Festival 🌿
🗓️ 24 May | ⏰ 12:00–15:00 | 📍Corn Exchange, Faringdon

We are honoured to welcome a panel of incredible Ukrainian women to the Mavka Festival — bold thinkers, scholars, and changemakers who are shaping Ukraine’s story both at home and abroad. Join us for an inspiring discussion exploring identity, resistance, and resilience through culture, economics, and storytelling.

🎙️ Meet the Speakers:

🔹 Dasha Nepochatova
Oxford DPhil in Slavonic Studies, Feminist Literary Scholar
Topic: Untold story: 140 years of Ukrainian Women’s Movement

🔹 Violetta Loziuk
Ph.D., Global trade consultant, Co-founder of Ukrainian Business Way
Topic: Economic Empowerment as a Tool of Resistance

🔹 Valentyna Bilan
Cultural Diplomat, Journalist, Producer
Topic: Cultural Diplomacy as Resistance: Telling Our Story, Fighting the Narrative

🔹 Olga Gashenko
Business Mentor, Founder of Harmony Me, Mental Health Advocate
Topic: Resilience in Times of Uncertainty — The Power of Ukrainian Women in Business and Adaptation

👩‍🔬 Moderated by the brilliant Dr Nadiya Ivanenko
Research Academic, University of Oxford

This will not be a one-way conversation — we want to hear from you. After the talks, we’re leaving plenty of time for open dialogue. We want to know:
🟡 How do local communities in the UK perceive Ukrainians?
🟡 What does Ukraine mean to you?
🟡 What role can Ukraine play in your life and in British society?

This exchange matters. Three years into the full-scale invasion, we believe these conversations help build bridges, deepen mutual understanding, and shape our shared future.

We can’t wait to see you there. All are welcome!
💛💙

10/05/2025

Get ready for Mavka Festival 2025!
Join us on 24–25 May in Faringdon for two magical days of Ukrainian culture, community, and celebration.

24 May
We’re preparing an exciting programme of inspiring speakers and a film screening in collaboration with the Oxford University Ukrainian Society. Final schedule to follow soon — stay tuned!

25 May
A full day of fun for the whole family!
From 12 to 3 pm – Join us at the Corn Exchange for:
• Ukrainian songs & traditional dances
• Free borscht for all
• Prize quiz
• Handmade crafts market

From 4 pm – Head up to Folly Hill for:
• Live music & orchestra
• Dance workshops & circle dances
• Storytelling and games for kids
• Open-air disco till the last guest leaves!
• Folly Tower open to visitors until 5 pm

Let’s make it magical — together!
Follow MavkaFest for updates and bring your friends — everyone is welcome!

28/09/2024

"Grohotsky continues to captivate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, and very soon, he will perform here in Oxford. His enchanting voice, refined musical taste, and broad repertoire — from Ukrainian folk songs to covers of global hits such as *My All* by Mariah Carey and *Feeling Good* by Muse — promise an unforgettable evening. Further details can be found in previous posts. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of music and savour life, even in these challenging times. You deserve it!"

📍 The concert will take place at the renowned venue, The Bullingdon. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Ticket price — just £10! And, of course, there will be dancing, so get ready for a fun-filled evening! 💃🕺

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance and book yours now!
👉

Live music show with the winner of Voice Ukraine. Get ready to be swept away by his epic voice and explosive energy. Ukrainian & world hits

04/09/2024

Dmytro Tolochko has continuously supported Ukraine and Ukrainian events. When he was told about MavkaFest, mentioning that we lacked funding and musical equipment, he not only came and enriched the festival with his energetic songs but also provided professional equipment and an excellent musical support for free, making the festival an unforgettable experience for all!

Come and join his Ukrainian party – let’s see how vibrant Ukrainians can be!

There is an announcement:

Finally! We are starting our series of concerts in the UK🇬🇧. And of course, everything this season will start in Oxford, which is almost our home! (Oxford, London, Wales).

You will immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of native Ukrainian music and feel the drive of dance rhythms. The special feature of the evening will be the lighting design!

- September 7, Saturday!
- the heart of Oxford OX2 0B
- free parking
- tickets from one pound at your discretion
- get a lot of emotions and thereby bring Ukraine closer to victory (we will donate from the concert)
- the number of places is limited
- book now using the link 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ukrainian-party-tickets-984203006687?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Attending our concert is like visiting Ukraine!

06/08/2024

"RAZOM FEST"
to the Independence Day of Ukraine in Oxford! ✨

🎉 Date: 24 August 2024
📍 Place: St Michaels and All Angels Church,
Summertown,
Oxford,
OX2 7ES
⏰ Time: 11.00-17.00

🇺🇦 We invite you to a colourful celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day in the heart of Oxford! Spend an unforgettable day enjoying Ukrainian culture, music, art and delicious food. Invite your British friends and share this festive atmosphere with them!

🌟 Festival programme:

🎶 Performances of folklore groups, dance shows and live music
🎨 Masterclasses for children and adults
🍴 Delicious Ukrainian food.
🎠 Enchanting show programme for children.
🎡 Fair
💪🇺🇦 fee for the Armed Forces and auction

🎟 Admission is free

🇺🇦 Come and celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine with us! 🇬🇧

12/06/2024

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/622904/

22/05/2024

🌟 Join Us for the Mavka Festival This Saturday! 🌟

📅 **Date**: 25 May
📍 **Location**: Corn Exchange & Folly Hill, Faringdon

Celebrate Ukrainian culture and community with us at the Mavka Festival! Here's the exciting schedule for the day:

Corn Exchange 🏰

**12:00 PM** - Opening Ceremony
**12:15 PM** - Performance by Kateryna Trachuk on the bandura
**12:30 PM** - Celebration of Ukrainian Women 🌸
**1:30 PM** - Concert featuring:
- Singer Dmytro Tolochko 🎶
- Dance Group Balamuti 💃
- Violinist Anna Nemchuk 🎻

**1:30 PM - 3:00 PM** - Borscht Tasting (red and green borscht) 🍲 and Ukrainian food and good market 🛍 (Cash Only)

# # # Folly Hill 🌳

**4:00 PM** - Inauguration of the Mavka Statue 🌿
**4:15 PM** - Flower Crown Making Workshop 🌸
**4:30 PM** - Circle Dances with Balamuti 🌀
**5:00 PM** - Yoga Session with Alla Skrynnikova 🧘

**Throughout the Day at Folly Hill**:
- Photo Exhibition with Recorded Stories of Ukrainian Women 📸
- Photo Zone 🤳

Come join us for a day of celebration, culture, and community!
We look forward to seeing you there!