Hundreds of people gathered on Friday "to stand in solidarity and support" of the Ukrainian victims of the war with Russia.
At the public event in Stevenage's Town Square, people prayed for peace, observed a minute's silence and sang the Ukrainian national anthem.
Held in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage World Forum, organiser Michal Siewniak said the event was "another opportunity to stand together as one community" and "show our solidarity with Ukraine".
He said: "It was cold and raining, yet such a large number of people decided to come along. We laid wreaths and spoke with passion and conviction about our desire to stop the war and condemn the invasion of Ukraine.
"There were a lot of tears. There were many Ukrainians, desperately worried about their country. We all are."
Councillor Sharon Taylor, SBC's leader, said: "I condemn Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as a brutal and aggressive act against a fellow democratic country.
"We gathered on Friday as representatives of the people of Stevenage to stand in solidarity and support of the Ukrainian victims of this war and to declare our support for their struggle to preserve their rights and freedom.
"Millions of people around the world have watched the appalling situation faced by the people of Ukraine and have been moved by their courage, resilience and humanity.
"The people of Stevenage will support the people of Ukraine to defeat this act of aggression. We stand side by side with them. The response of Stevenage people to the request for humanitarian aid has shown the will and spirit of our town and we will continue to do all we can to support the Ukraine people and the Ukraine community here in Stevenage."
Councillor Phil Bibby, leader of SBC's Conservatives, said: “I was proud to attend this event to show my solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Russia’s actions are inexcusable and have resulted in a totally avoidable humanitarian disaster.
"I call on SBC to reinforce warm words with actions and plans to support refugees from Ukraine.”
On Wednesday, SBC will debate an emergency motion which includes advising the Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the council's willingness to help settle refugees.
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