A PEACE vigil is to be held in support of the people of Ukraine this week by the Mayor of Darlington

The event will take place at St Augustine’s Church in Darlington on Wednesday March 2, between 6-7pm.

The gathering will include prayer, meditation and thought in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

There will also be a collection for the British Red Cross Emergency Ukraine Appeal.

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Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Cyndi Hughes said: “My chaplain, Fr. Gordon Ryan, the parishioners of St. Augustine’s and I invite the people of our borough to come together on March 2 from 6-7pm to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“St. Augustine’s will be open for prayer, meditation and quiet thought for people of all faiths and those of no faith. We come together in our shared humanity and concern.

“As Darlington’s first citizen, I have sent a message to the Mayor of Kyiv telling him of our vigil.

“On Tuesday I will send a further message of peace and solidarity on behalf of the people of Darlington to Vitali Klitschko and the people of Kyiv.”

Read more: Special prayer for peace and service in support of people of Ukraine

This comes as Darlington Hippodrome announced this morning (February 28) the performances of the Russian State Opera productions of Carmen and Aida, scheduled for March 1 and 2, would not be going ahead.

The Hippodrome admits the production team and associated artists are in no way responsible for the political situation, however, the Hippodrome team decided it was imperative to show support and solidarity to the people of Ukraine.

A similar peace vigil is to be held at St Edmund's Church in Sedgefield on the same night, Wednesday March 2. 

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