This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster — an event that displaced hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, contaminated land across Europe and irrevocably altered global attitudes toward nuclear power.
Bringing together four authors who have engaged deeply with its human and political legacy, this event explores the complex realities faced by those affected. From research conducted in the Exclusion Zone on the cusp of Russia’s war on Ukraine, to intimate poetry born of catastrophe, memoir reflecting on life in the disaster’s aftermath, and examinations of the long-reaching psychological impact of displacement, the discussion spans genres and generations.
Philippa Holloway, Alex Lockwood, Mario Petrucci and Kateryna Medvediuk will reflect on how they have navigated these histories — shaping narratives that centre lived experience, honour resilience, and ensure the legacy of 26 April 1986 is neither simplified nor forgotten.
Event Date: Tuesday 12th May 2026
Location: Online
Categories: 2026 | Festivals & Events | In Conversations & Talks
