On 6 June 2025, Culbaba Theatre took to the stage of the White Rock Theatre in Hastings as part of the Let’s Sing Junior Choir Competition, organised by the Rotary Club of Bexhill.
The event brought together choirs from nine local primary schools, filling the theatre with young singers, their families, teachers and supporters. Culbaba Theatre was invited to perform as part of the evening’s programme, bringing Ukrainian traditional music to one of Hastings’ best-known stages.
For many of the children, events like Let’s Sing provide an early opportunity to experience performing in a theatre and making music as part of a group. Organisers had previously reported that the competition encouraged greater interest in school choirs, including among children who had never performed on stage before.
Our participation in Let’s Sing introduced Ukrainian traditional music to children, families and educators from across the local area, strengthened Culbaba’s connections within the local cultural and educational community, and gave our members the opportunity to perform on a major professional stage.
The performance also represented an important step in Culbaba’s growing presence in the cultural life of Hastings and Rother. Our work is rooted in research, traditional repertoire and the preservation of Ukrainian cultural heritage, but preservation only makes sense when that heritage continues to be practised and shared. At White Rock Theatre, it was shared with hundreds of people as part of an evening of music.
The event was covered by the Sussex Express, whose photographic report captured performers and participants throughout the evening, including Culbaba Theatre.
Photo: Alan Roberts / Roberts Photographic
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