Thousands of Eurovision tickets will be distributed to displaced Ukrainians
Thousands of tickets to the Eurovision Song Contest will be distributed to Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes and are living in the UK.
The international music show will take place at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in May after the city was selected to host the competition on behalf of the winners of 2022 Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
As part of the UK’s commitment to honor Ukraine at the song contest, around 3,000 tickets will be made available to displaced Ukrainians so they can attend live performances.
The UK government has also announced £10m funding to “help ensure this event truly showcases Ukrainian culture” on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country.
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Ukrainian folk rap group Kalush Orchestra, winners of last year’s competition in Turin, Italy, will perform in the upcoming show (Yui Mok/PA)
The money will support Liverpool City Council and the BBC’s partnership with Ukrainian artists and performers to create a performance that “celebrates music and how it unites people from all over the world.” In the world”.
It will also support security, visa arrangements and other operational aspects of the competition, as well as Liverpool City Council’s schools, community and volunteer programmes.
Culture Minister Lucy Frazer said: “Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine means that the contest cannot be held where it should be. But we are honored to support the BBC and Liverpool in organizing this event on their behalf and are determined to ensure that the Ukrainian people are at the heart of this event.
“Today’s announcement means that thousands of tickets will be made available to those displaced by the war, so they can take part in a performance that celebrates their homeland, culture and music.
“As always, we stand with the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom.”
Ukraine Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko added: “The allocation of nearly 3,000 tickets to Ukrainian migrants for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool will allow our compatriots here to enjoy the event and respect it. honor our country’s rich music and culture.
“The UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion is a prime example and this gesture is another example of that commitment.
“The £10 million grant to showcase Ukrainian culture is also greatly appreciated and will help organize a partnership that brings people from all over the world closer together.
“We are grateful to the UK Government, Liverpool City Council and the BBC for their efforts to celebrate Ukrainian culture and people through this event.”
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Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo and Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, as the Eurovision Song Contest is officially approved for the city of Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)
Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson says Ukraine will be “at the heart” of all their Eurovision plans.
She added: “Working with our Ukrainian community, we are shaping a thought-provoking and powerful program that is all inclusive and representative of modern Ukraine – inspiring, profound , funny, beautiful and touching.
“We are delighted with the news that Ukrainian migrants will have the opportunity to come to the city in May – this is their Eurovision after all.
“Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and we can’t wait to give them a warm welcome from Liverpool and, raise your hand, let’s do it to the rest of Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Britain is proud.”
Among the devotees, Ukrainian folk rap group Kalush Orchestra, who won last year’s competition in Turin, Italy, will perform in the upcoming show.
Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko, who has been commenting on Eurovision in Ukraine since 2007, will also appear on live shows to give insight from Ukraine’s comment box at Liverpool Arena.
The announcement comes on the anniversary of the Russian invasion that forced millions of Ukrainians from their homes, many of whom sought refuge in the United Kingdom.
Those based in the UK through the Home for Ukraine Program, the Ukraine Family Program and the Ukraine Open Program will be able to apply for tickets to the song competition.
The Ministry of Culture, Media and Sport has reduced ticket prices for displaced Ukrainians, with a £20 fee applied per sale.
Spaces will be made available for all nine live shows, including semi-finals, preview shows and the live final on May 13.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/thousands-of-eurovision-tickets-to-be-allocated-to-displaced-ukrainians-42358863.html Thousands of Eurovision tickets will be distributed to displaced Ukrainians