Culbaba Theatre was honoured to take part in the Bexhill Festival of Music with a special performance at the historic Coronation Bandstand on Bexhill seafront.
Throughout the afternoon, residents and visitors gathered to enjoy a programme of music, dance, storytelling and cultural traditions. Some arrived specifically to see the performance, while others paused during a walk along the promenade and stayed to discover something unexpected. Together, they created a warm and welcoming audience that shared in more than an hour of music, conversation and cultural exchange.
We were delighted to welcome Deputy Mayor Cllr Paul Peters, Cllr John Lee, former Mayors Paul Wilson and Abul Azad, representatives of RVA, Bexhill Veterans, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, as well as many local residents and visitors. Their presence reflected the strong community spirit that continues to make Bexhill such a special place.
Culbaba Theatre presented a programme of eighteen performances exploring the richness and diversity of Ukrainian intangible cultural heritage.
A particular focus of this year's programme was the tradition of the Green Holidays — one of Ukraine's oldest seasonal celebrations. Audiences were introduced to ritual songs preserved through generations and presented in original arrangements by Artistic Director Olena Zdielnikova. These were accompanied by celebrated works by distinguished Ukrainian composers like Mykola Lysenko, Anatoliy Avdiievskiy, Ihor Shamo, regional dances, traditional games and stories that helped bring the songs and customs to life.
At Culbaba Theatre, we believe that heritage should not be preserved behind glass. It lives through people, voices, stories and shared experiences. Our performances seek to create opportunities for meaningful encounters between communities.
The afternoon was also filled with conversations, questions and moments of genuine curiosity. Visitors learned about the origins of songs, the meanings behind customs and the role that music continues to play in Ukrainian cultural life. Homemade Ukrainian baking, generously prepared by soloist of the Theatre Olena Biela, added to the atmosphere of hospitality and celebration.
As a volunteer-led organisation based in Bexhill, we are proud to contribute to the cultural life of our town through performances, educational projects, exhibitions and community events. We are especially grateful for the encouragement and support we continue to receive from local organisations, community leaders and audiences.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:
- Bexhill Festival of Music
- Bexhill Heritage Coronation Bandstand
- Bexhill Town Council
- Deputy Mayor Cllr Paul Peters
- Cllr John Lee
- Former Mayors Paul Wilson and Abul Azad
- Photographer Jeff Penfold
- RVA Homes For Ukraine Lead Susan Gedge
- Our volunteers, supporters and friends
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who stopped, listened, asked questions, shared a conversation, joined in, applauded and helped create such a memorable afternoon.
We look forward to welcoming audiences again very soon.
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