Exploring Ukraine Through Eurovision: Tips for Making the Most of Your Tickets

The UK Government has declared that, as part of their commitment to honouring Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest, roughly , tickets will be allocated to Ukrainians who have been displaced to the United Kingdom for the event taking place at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in May. This follows the selection of the city to host the competition in lieu of the winner, Ukraine, which is unable to do so due to the Russian invasion. Furthermore, the government has also declared £ million in funding towards this cause.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has announced £ million of funding to “showcase Ukrainian culture” in commemoration of the anniversary of Russia’s incursion into the country. This money will finance Liverpool City Council and the BBC’s collaborations with Ukrainian artists and performers to create an event which celebrates music as well as its power to unite people from all corners of the world. Additionally, the resources will aid in the organisation of security, visa compliance and other logistical matters concerning the extravaganza, as well as support Liverpool City Council’s schools, community and volunteering programmes.

We are delighted to be supporting the BBC and Liverpool in hosting Eurovision on their behalf, and we remain resolute in ensuring that the Ukrainian people remain at the centre of this event. This announcement has meant that a substantial number of tickets are being offered to those individuals – many of whom have been displaced by conflict – enabling them to take part in a show that is respectful of their homeland, culture, and music. As always, we affirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the effort to secure their freedom. In addition to this, Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, has stated: “Almost , tickets have been allocated to displaced Ukrainians for the Eurovision Song Contest in location.

The UK government, Liverpool City Council and BBC have demonstrated their commitment to honour Ukraine’s culture and people through this event, allowing our compatriots to celebrate our country’s rich culture and music. We are immensely appreciative of the £m funding which will enable a collaborative show bringing people from around the globe closer together. The mayor’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion has been exemplary, exemplified by this gesture of kindness. We are truly grateful for the efforts of these parties in order to facilitate the event.

Ms. Anderson declared that Ukraine will remain central to all of their Eurovision plans. She further elaborated: “In coordination with our Ukrainian community, we have designed a thought-provoking and powerful program that is broad and reflective of modern Ukraine’s inspiring, poignant, amusing, beautiful, and moving qualities. We are thrilled to hear that displaced Ukrainians are being offered the opportunity to come to the city in May – this Eurovision is theirs after all. Our team has been working diligently in the background and we eagerly anticipate providing them with a Liverpool welcome and, if fortune prevails, affording them an unforgettable experience.

The highly acclaimed Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra, victorious at last year’s iteration of the competition in Turin, Italy, will be performing during the show. Additionally, Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko, having been delivering commentary on Eurovision for Ukraine since , will also grace the live shows, providing insight from Ukraine’s viewpoint in the arena in Liverpool. This announcement is made today, being an anniversary of Russia’s invasion which prompts displacement of millions of Ukrainians from their domiciles, with many seeking shelter in the United Kingdom. Those fitting into this predicament are having a home set up for them through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Ukraine Family Scheme.

What we can learn

In conclusion, Eurovision 2021 is a unique opportunity to showcase what modern Ukraine has to offer. Through a broad array of thought-provoking and powerful programming, we will bring people together from all around the world to celebrate the inspiring, poignant, amusing, beautiful and moving qualities of Ukraine. We are excited to offer displaced Ukrainians the chance to come to Liverpool in May and provide them with an unforgettable experience. We cannot wait to create a truly international celebration that showcases the best of Ukraine’s culture, history and people.