Dear Friends, This August, I was deeply honoured to take part once again in Bedford’s Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations. Since the outbreak of war in 2022, I’ve performed every year in solidarity with the Ukrainian community, and each time I’m moved anew by their extraordinary courage, cultural excellence, and unwavering spirit. 

 On 24 August 2025, I performed live at the Corn Exchange in Bedford from 12–4pm, marking this powerful day through music and remembrance. The event was hosted by PBIC Bedford – the Polish British Integration Centre – whose team, led by the incredible Gosia Brady, continues to do phenomenal work supporting the Ukrainian community. Gosia, your resilience, hospitality, and Polish spirit are truly special. I love you and salute your leadership.  Below with Gosia and the PBIC team in Bedford – a big thank you to Zosia Brady – you inspire me.I love our British Polish and Ukrainian friendship #westandwithukraine 

 One of the most touching moments this month came from Dasha, a talented young artist from Ukraine, who created a beautiful piece of artwork in response to my performance at Ukrainian Independence Day after hearing me sing in Ukrainian. Her gesture moved me deeply as was meeting her mum and family. It was more than a creative exchange – it was a moment of shared connection, recognition, and shared spirit. 

 This year, I wrote a new piece inspired by my Ukrainian muse, Tetyana, whose legacy of courage continues to resonate deeply. Her story lives on in melody, and I was grateful to perform this tribute for the Daily Antidote of Song audience on 23 August. Special thanks to Jo Rasi and the team for inviting me to sing on the Daily Antidote of Song and a big thanks to Shruthi Vishwanath the show host for her wonderful words of wisdom and light. You can watch the performance and hear the song here:   Watch Katy Carr perform a new song for Ukraine to the Daily Antidote of song on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgoKUw6VfuQRIP Tetyana  Your light endures.

 I’ve been so inspired by the Ukrainian community that I’ve learned many of their songs and am currently recording an album dedicated to their bravery. It features ten original tracks I’ve penned in tribute a musical offering to honour resilience, culture, and the power of connection. Bridging Cultures Through Music and Memory  As someone deeply connected to both Polish and Ukrainian communities, I’m aware of the historical wounds that still lingerespecially around the tragic events of 1943 in Volhynia. These memories are painful, and sadly, they’re sometimes used to sow division. But I believe in the healing power of culture. Through music, I’ve witnessed moments of unity that transcend history’s scars. The Polish spirit of hospitality and resilience, and the Ukrainian courage and creativity, are both profound. These qualities deserve to be celebrated side by side. 

 This year’s event in Bedford was a beautiful example of that shared strength. Gosia and her team at PBIC continue to build bridges with compassion and dignity, and I’m proud to stand with them in honouring both communities.Let’s keep singing, remembering, and reaching across divides. Our shared cultural heritage is richer than any narrative of hate and music can be the thread that binds us. With love and solidarity,Katy Carr #UkrainianIndependenceDay #MusicalTribute #PBICBedford #SongForTetyana #LegacyInMusic #CulturalMemory #katycarrmusic Thank you Gosia and all at PBIC for this lovely memorable event – you inspire me 🙂