Commemorations to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine will be held in Derby City Centre this week and all are welcome.
The Ukraine Peace Procession, ‘365 days of war’, is taking place on Friday 24 February. The procession will begin at Cathedral Green at 6.00pm, and process down to the Market Place at 6.30pm. The procession will come back up Iron Gate and finish outside the Cathedral tower. The Cathedral will be open to members of the public from 6.00pm to 7.30pm for quiet prayer and reflection, or to light a candle.
At Derby Cathedral, there is the opportunity to attend the Ukraine Anniversary Prayer Vigil, which is taking place on Sunday 26 February. During the vigil there will be contributions from representatives from Derby and Derbyshire's diverse faith communities. The service will start at 2.00pm and finish at 3.00pm, with an opportunity to write a message of hope or light a candle after the service.
A national minute's silence will also be held on Friday 24 February at 11am, and is a chance for everyone to recognise the struggles of Ukrainian forces and residents, and remember those lost in the conflict.
The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Robin Wood, said:
The invasion of Ukraine has shocked and saddened many people all over the world. We feel it's only right to come together and show solidarity for the people affected one year on, so if you can spare the time, please come along to these events.