THE Market House in Taunton will be lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to mark two years since the Russian invasion.

On Saturday, February 24, Taunton Town Council are lighting up The Market House on Fore Street blue and yellow from dusk that evening to mark this sombre anniversary.

The town has welcomed several families who fled the violence, many of whom have remained and integrated into the community.

Residents enjoyed a rousing rendition of a traditional Ukrainian carol at Carols Around the Bandstand in Vivary Park, facilitated by CHARIS refugees, the Mayor of Taunton’s chosen charity.

A shop and café, UA in the UK in Paul Street, opened in July last year and was created to promote this unique culture and cuisine in the Taunton area.

Taunton Town Council committed to become a Town of Sanctuary in September 2023 to acknowledge the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary to the town of Taunton.

Leader of Taunton Town Council, councillor Tom Deakin, said: “From the onset of this conflict, residents of Taunton have taken the people of Ukraine to their hearts, from organising aid convoys to supporting and taking in refugees fleeing their beloved home country.

“It is right that we pause to reflect on everything that has happened over the past two years, and we are fortunate to be able to provide a visual focus for this by lighting up such a central building.”

The lights on the Market House were installed at the end of November and formed part of the Christmas illuminations in 2023.

“The colour can be changed remotely, allowing us to mark important occasions like this throughout the year, for no additional cost to the town council,” a spokesperson added.