The government of the United Kingdom are reserving 3,000 tickets that will be given to Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion.
3000 tickets to celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture
With Ukraine willing but unable to host because of the ongoing war, the United Kingdom won the bid to host in Liverpool, with general tickets to go on sale in the coming weeks.
“The allocation of almost 3,000 tickets to displaced Ukrainians for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool will allow our compatriots here to enjoy the event and celebrate our country’s rich culture and music,” said Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK.
Hosting the contest are three presenters from the United Kingdom and one from Ukraine, Julia Sanina. This, like giving away tickets to Ukrainian refugees, contributes to the spirit of Ukraine actively playing a role in hosting the Eurovision Song Contest this year, despite being unable to stage the contest in their own country.
This “…announcement means that thousands of tickets will be offered to those displaced by war, so that they can take part in a show honoring their homeland, their culture and their music,” Lucy Frazer, the Secretary of Culture in the UK said. “We stand together with the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom.”
Liverpool meets Ukraine
After Kalush Orchestra won in 2022, 20 cities in the UK offered to host with Liverpool being chosen on the basis of focusing on Ukraine and not making it all about the UK. Joanne Anderson, the mayor of Liverpool said that Ukraine will be “at the heart” of Eurovision 2023. This announcement helps that statement come true.
“We’re delighted with the news that displaced Ukrainians are being given the opportunity to come to the city in May – this is their Eurovision after all,” Anderson said. “Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and we can’t wait to give them a warm Liverpool welcome and, fingers crossed, do them, the rest of the Ukraine and the UK proud.”
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