Weston's Italian Gardens will be a sea of blue and yellow when the town holds a peaceful vigil for Ukraine this coming Sunday.
The event is being held as a show of support and solidarity to the people of this eastern European country, which has faced devastation during Russia's barbaric invasion.
On Sunday (March 6) at 4pm, people will gather at the vigil organised by ROC WSM and Churches Together Church Leaders, supported by faith groups and local political parties. The vigil will be led by Rev Tom Yacomeni (Locking Castle Church) with contributions from Deacon Gary Hoare (Milton Methodist Church / President of Weston Churches Together), Pastor Mike Radcliffe (Destiny Church / CLIF) and several others. Weston's Town Mayor, Councillor James Clayton will be attending the gathering.
Rev Tom Yacomeni said, "This is a time for everyone to gather and spend some time in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. A time to be thinking of friends and family and saying some prayers for everyone caught up in the crisis."
Penny Hynds, chair of Redeeming our Communities, said: "People are feeling so helpless as they see what's happening in the Ukraine, and this Sunday will give everyone a chance to come together and show their support for the people of that beloved country.
"For me, it means a lot just to be able to take a stand against this injustice, in unity with others across the town who feel the same way.”
People attending are invited to wear blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag, and to bring banners, flags, and blue and yellow flowers.
They will have the opportunity to leave their own messages to the people of Ukraine, which will be forwarded to the Ukrainian ambassador of the UK.
The vigil will last for about an hour and will include a few short addresses, prayers and reflective silence. It will end with some messages from Ukrainian people along with suggestions about how people can help Ukraine practically.
Gary Hoare, President of Churches Together in Weston-super-Mare, said: "This is a crisis that has made a huge impression on us all. Along with people across the community, we want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to connect as one united voice, and also to find out what they can do."
The Vigil is being held at the Italian Gardens opposite the Sovereign Centre on Weston High Street at 4pm. See the ROC WSM Facebook Page.
Some ways to support Ukraine:
We are not doing a collection, but recommending some options among many:
1. Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
3. Kreativity Ukraine (Locking Castle Church Contact)