Ukrainian heritage was celebrated by adults and children alike at a special cultural evening in Potters Bar.

Hosted by Women’s Institute Potters Bar, the evening featured a traditional bread and salt ceremony, samples of Ukrainian food and poetry by native writers as well as a display of Cossack dancing.

The event last Friday (September 30) was part of an effort by the Waltham Cross branch of Associated Ukrainian Woman and the WI to commemorate 25 years since Ukraine became its own state, independent of the USSR.

Among the displays of singing and dancing, guests were given a chance to participate in the cultural practices themselves, experiencing traditional Ukrainian performance art.

WI member Christine Modla-Thomas said: “Ukraine is rich culturally and although the current situation in Ukraine is challenging, independence has provided the opportunity to develop the country.

“The country is largely Christian and is proud to have seven Unesco World Heritage sites within its borders.

“This wonderful evening has left the WI members truly full to the brim with the community’s generosity, food and heartfelt welcome.”

While reflecting on Ukraine’s turbulent history, the evening also celebrated its culture with a feast of borstch beetroot soup, cheesy potato, dried fruit dumplings and herring among other traditional dishes.