People of Berwick urged to show support for Ukraine

A musical service is to be held in Berwick town centre to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
The mini-concert will be held on the steps of Berwick Town Hall.The mini-concert will be held on the steps of Berwick Town Hall.
The mini-concert will be held on the steps of Berwick Town Hall.

Organisers are asking people to wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag – yellow and blue – and listen to performers on the steps of the town hall at noon on Saturday.

The event has been organised by Northumberland and Borders Concert Band and the Berwick-upon-Tweed Concert Band, which is run by Nick Elwood.

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Mr Elwood has also received support from county councillor Georgina Hill (Berwick East) and Berwick’s deputy mayor, Mike Greener.

Mr Elwood said: “I am delighted that this event is taking place and we can show support for Ukraine. I would encourage as many people to attend as possible and for local musicians to make contact with me and take part.

"Music is a bit of a universal language, and I think it appeals to everybody. I also feel quite angry about what Russia is doing.

"It could escalate, and I just thought it was important that we show the Ukrainian people that we’re behind them, and also to support each other.

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"One unfortunate positive side to it [Ukraine] is that it is bringing a lot of people together from different backgrounds, countries and classes in support.”

One of the hymns to be performed, Prayer to Ukraine, was first written as a poem in 1885 during the time of the Imperial Russian Empire’s suppression of the Ukrainian language, and then adapted into a patriotic music composition by composer Mykola Lysenko. It first became widespread during the Ukrainian War of Independence in 1917.

The national anthem of Ukraine, Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy I slava, I volia’, will also be sang and organisers have said all musicians are welcome to take part.

Cllr Hill said: “This is a wonderful way for Berwick to show support for Ukraine – music is a universal language and can touch and express our emotions in an unrivalled way.

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“We also stand in solidarity with ordinary Russian people who oppose this war.”

To view the event’s sheet music beforehand, or if you are a musician with an inquiry, email Nick Elwood via [email protected] or call 07598 121853.