Bedford Borough Council is holding a vigil on Friday 24th February 2023 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The event will take place from 6pm in Harpur Square and is open to all residents of Bedford Borough.

If you’d like to take part in the vigil, please come along to Harpur Square from 6pm on Friday 24 February 2023. The vigil is expected to last around five minutes.

The event will be a chance for Bedford Borough residents to come together, shine a light and pay their respects to the victims of the conflict.

The Council are encouraging residents to bring their mobile phones so that the torches can be used as a source of light during the vigil.

Any residents attending the event are invited to wear blue and yellow clothing to show their support.

Mayoral Candidate and Councillor Tom Wootton added, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen millions of innocent people displaced and thousands lose their lives as cities are razed to the ground and communities become cut off.

Although many have now witnessed, have lived or continue to live through these horrendous scenes of conflict there has been an extraordinary show of solidarity for Ukraine.  Around the world, in the UK and in this very Borough people having been sending and offering help to the Ukrainian people.

The humanity, love and beauty that can arise during dark times as we stand shoulder to shoulder with one another and show that we are united against the invasion of Ukraine has been incredible to see."