AN EXCITING challenge, a parade and crafts are just a few ways townsfolk will be celebrating a traditional Ukrainian event in Stroud this weekend.

Families and friends are invited to take part in a series of events to mark Vyshyvanka Day - a celebration of traditional Ukrainian textiles - on Saturday, May 18.
 
The international holiday aims to preserve the Ukrainian folk traditions of creating and wearing ethnic embroidered clothes called vyshyvankas.

Cotswold Canals Connected has partnered with Stroudwater Textile Trust and Stroud Stands with Ukraine to organise a parade - which will start in Stroud Town Centre at 11am and end at St Laurence Parish Church - which will be followed by a wide variety of activities, arts and crafts, and refreshments.

On Sunday, May 19 a team consisting of one shearer and seven speedy spinners and knitters will be taking part in the International Back to Back Wool Challenge in front of The Museum in the Park from 9am. 

The objective is to complete a jumper following the same pattern within eight hours and bystanders are invited to see if the Stroud team can get anywhere near the world record of just under five hours. 

The museum will open at 11am for various family-friendly activities while those taking part in the challenge are beavering away outside. 

There will also be craft goody bags and memory hearts for sale.

All funds raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.