The event was co-ordinated by Beth Flint from Winchester City of Sanctuary and the Cathedral, and featured music and dancing from the Ukrainian choir Kalyna, whose goal is to popularise and develop Ukrainian folk song culture in the UK. We also heard songs from 10 year old soloist, Zarina Ivanova, poetry and drumming from Dr Olu Taiwo and some jazzy numbers from the Blue Apple choir among many, many others.
The great West doors of the Cathedral were open on this hot June afternoon, and so many families came to join in that rows and rows of extra chairs were added to accommodate the crowds who were in excellent voice and ready to take part in the ‘massed songs.’ The service ended with colourful origami peace cranes being placed on a table at the front. One participant spoke to Rev Tess Kuin Lawton, the Canon Missioner at the Cathedral and expressed particular thanks for raising the profile of Sanctuary work in Winchester. Others commented on the inclusive and joyful atmosphere.
Canon Tess said that the end of Refugee Week was ‘a time for everyone to come together in their Cathedral to celebrate our common humanity and the many creative talents of refugees and asylum seekers.’
