Thousands of tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest will be allocated to Ukrainians who have been evicted and live in the UK.
The international music show will take place at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in May, after the city was chosen to host the competition on behalf of Ukraine, the 2022 winner after the Russian invasion.
As part of Britain’s pledge to honor Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest, around 3,000 tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians to attend the live shows.
The UK government has also announced £10 million in funding to ‘ensure that the event, held on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of the country, really showcases Ukrainian culture’.
The money will support Liverpool City Council and the BBC’s collaboration with Ukrainian artists and performers to create a show “that celebrates music and how it unites people from around the world”.
It will also support security, visa arrangements and other operational aspects of the competition, as well as Liverpool City Council’s school, community and volunteer programs.
Culture Minister Lucy Frazer said: “Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine means the game cannot take place where it should be. But we are honored to support the BBC and Liverpool by hosting on their behalf and we are determined to ensure that that the Ukrainian people are at the center of this event.
Today’s announcement means thousands of tickets will be offered to displaced people to attend a show that celebrates their homeland, culture and music.
“As always, we stand with the Ukrainian people and their struggle for freedom.”
Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK Vadym Prystaiko added that the allocation of nearly 3,000 tickets to displaced Ukrainians “will enable our compatriots here to enjoy the event and celebrate the rich culture and music of our country”.
Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion was exemplary, and this gesture is another example of that commitment.
“The £10 million funding to showcase Ukrainian culture is also greatly appreciated and will help create a collaborative show that brings people closer together from around the world.
“We are grateful to the UK Government, Liverpool City Council and the BBC for their efforts to honor the culture and people of Ukraine through this event.”
Liverpool mayor Joanne Anderson has said Ukraine will be “at the heart” of all her Eurovision plans.
She added that in collaboration with the Ukrainian community, they are creating “a thought-provoking and powerful program that is all-encompassing and representative of modern Ukraine – inspiring, gripping, funny, beautiful and moving.”
“We are delighted to hear that displaced Ukrainians will have the opportunity to come to the city in May – after all, this is their Eurovision Song Contest,” she said.
“Our team have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and we can’t wait to give them a warm welcome to Liverpool and keep our fingers crossed for them, the rest of Ukraine and Britain.”
Among the honors, Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra, who triumphed at last year’s competition in Turin, Italy, will perform at the upcoming show.
Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko, who has been commentating on the Eurovision Song Contest in Ukraine since 2007, will also appear during the live shows to provide an insight into the Ukrainian commentary box at the Liverpool Arena.
The announcement comes on the anniversary of the Russian invasion that drove millions of Ukrainians from their homes, many of whom fled to Britain.
UK residents can apply for Eurovision tickets through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
Tickets for displaced Ukrainians are subsidized by the Ministry of Culture, Media and Sport with a charge of £20 per sale.
Seats are offered for all nine live shows, including the semi-finals, the preview shows and the live finals on May 13.
Source: Subway
Source: Metro
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