On 23 May, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, will host the third annual Mavka Festival — a spring celebration bringing together Ukrainian culture, music, workshops, family activities, and a fairytale-like atmosphere in the heart of nature.
The idea behind the festival was created by Anastasiia Nemchuk. One of the project’s main organisers and its постоянна host throughout all three years has been Hanna Bright. The festival is also co-organised by Anna Andriushchenko, founder and leader of the Ukrainian dance groups Zorya and Balamuty.
This year’s festival will take place across two locations — Corn Exchange and Folly Tower Wood — and will run from midday until late evening. Organisers promise a welcoming space for all ages, featuring live music, performances, Ukrainian dancing, a local makers’ market, woodland picnics, and interactive activities for both children and adults.
The name MAVKA also carries symbolic meaning. Each letter represents one of the festival’s core values: Mindfulness, Ambition, Vision, Kindness, and Authenticity. According to the organisers, the event aims to create a space centred around support, cultural exchange, and genuine human connection.
The first part of the festival will take place at Corn Exchange from 12:00 to 15:30. Visitors can expect a lively programme of performances, dancing, singing, quizzes, and prize giveaways. Among the performers will be the bandura duo Dvi Doli and the Oxford-based choir Kryla, whose members include both Ukrainians and British participants. The main dance showcase will be presented by Anna Andriushchenko together with the Zorya and Balamuty groups.
There will also be a local makers’ market and a food court. One of the festival’s main highlights will be a free tasting of traditional red or green borscht in exchange for donations. All funds raised will go towards providing hot meals for elderly people and low-income families in Ukraine, as well as supporting the Compass Clinic in Odesa.
At 2:00 pm, guests will also enjoy a Bubble Show Performance in the festival’s magical woodland-inspired atmosphere.
At 3:30 pm, visitors will take part in a short 15-minute group walk to Folly Tower Wood, where the second part of the festival will continue. This woodland area is also home to the Mavka sculpture, which was officially unveiled during the very first festival. Organisers note that visitors can find the location in navigation apps by searching for “Mavka”
Another major part of the programme will be an interactive Ukrainian dance workshop in the woods. Starting at 5:00 pm, visitors can join traditional Ukrainian round dances and folk-inspired activities led by Anna Andriushchenko. Organisers say the workshop is open to all ages and requires no previous dance experience.
After the first part of the festival ends, participants will take a short group walk to Folly Tower Wood, where the evening programme will continue with live music, creative workshops, performances, and a picnic in the woods.
The woodland programme will include live music, creative workshops, outdoor performances, and a picnic in the woods. At 5:00 pm, guests will be invited to join a Ukrainian folk dance workshop and traditional circle dances led by Anna Andriushchenko. The programme will also feature an aerial hoop performance and workshop led by gymnast Yuliia.
The festival will also include a first aid workshop for children and adults. Participants will learn basic emergency and outdoor first-aid skills in a practical, accessible format. Organisers note that attendees do not need to bring anything.
Guests are encouraged to follow the festival dress code by wearing white, green, and other light summer colours. Visitors are also invited to transform themselves into fairytale-inspired characters, with prizes promised for the best costumes.
Members of the press, along with professional photographers and videographers, will also be present throughout the event to document the festival and its atmosphere.
Date: 23 May 2026
Time: From 12:00 pm
Locations: Corn Exchange and Folly Tower Wood, Faringdon
Tickets are available via a link
