LIVE bands, DJs and surf-themed events will take place in St Ouen’s Bay today to kick off a number of fundraisers in aid of those affected by the war in Ukraine.
The Splash Out for Ukraine event will be held at the Watersplash, with all proceeds going to humanitarian charity Jersey Side by Side and the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal.
The fundraiser is the first in a line of events which will take place later this month as part of a dedicated Ukraine week – which marks the anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union 31 years ago, on 24 August.
Jersey Overseas Aid, which is responsible for distributing the money from the Bailiff’s Appeal, has encouraged Islanders to continue their support for the many Ukrainians affected by the war.
Edward Lewis, from the JOA, has written today’s Weekend Essay (pages 16 and 17) following his recent trip to Moldova, where he experienced first-hand the impact the war has had on displaced Ukrainians, who are now seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.
Today’s festival starts at 11am at the Splash Surf Centre with the ‘Kookslam’ surfing contest – where the worst-dressed and best wipeouts win – and will also feature live bands, DJs, face-painting and other activities such as tug of war and ping-pong.
DJs will start performing at the Reggae Beach stage from noon and will carry on until 9pm, with the after-party due to take place inside the Splash from 10pm to 2am. There will also be a number of live bands performing throughout the day.
Ukraine Week begins on Sunday 21 August with a ‘human flag’ – a mass gathering of people wearing either blue or yellow to recreate the Ukrainian flag, an idea born out of the success of the Side by Side beach event after the 2004 tsunami. There will also be live music, activities for children and a demonstration of a mine clearance.
Islanders are being encouraged to wear blue and yellow on 24 August and to organise their own workplace fundraisers.
There will be stalls in the town centre throughout the day selling Ukrainian food, artisan crafts, and merchandise, and sharing information about the work of charities on the ground.
People who choose to donate online will be given the option to choose how their money will be spent.
A special dinner and auction will be held that evening, featuring talks from members of the Ukrainian community in Jersey.
And on Saturday 27 August there will be a Ukrainian market day in St Helier, with Ukrainian food, products, music and demonstrations of some of the equipment bought through donations.
Islanders and businesses are also being urged to hold their own events, from dinner parties for friends and quizzes to yellow and blue dress-down days in the office and car washes.
