The organizers of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool want to put on “the best show for Ukraine”.
Ukraine-based Kalush Orchestra won the competition in May, however the event will not be held in the country due to the Russian invasion.
It will be played at Liverpool instead after Great Britain were chosen as hosts after finishing runners-up to Sam Ryder.
Claire McColgan, Liverpool’s cultural director, said the city would reflect “what Ukraine and its people deserve”.
“We’re just hosting it, it’s their party,” she told BBC Radio 4 Today.
The decision to host the event in Liverpool was announced on Friday during the BBC’s One Show. The city beat out Glasgow, the bookmakers’ favourite, and almost 20 other cities in the UK.
Ms McColgan said: “This is a very different Eurovision which is why we are so excited and keen to do this because we know we can do the best show for Ukraine because it’s destined for them.”
She added that organizers would use “information and insights” from Liverpool’s sister city, Odessa, to celebrate the country’s culture during broadcasts and cultural programmes.
Liverpool’s statues will be adorned with traditional Ukrainian headdresses and local schools will link up with their peers in the war-torn country, which was occupied by Russia in February.
Ms McColgan said Liverpool “wanted to show solidarity with Ukraine and make them proud”, adding the organizers had the “passion to support them and put our arms around them… we’ve got you, let’s see how we get to you.” to be able to help”.
She added they would “show how music and creativity can bring unity in times of hideousness.”
The Kalush Orchestra, who will perform at the Liverpool event, said they were “sad” that Ukraine would not be hosting the competition but that “playing in the same venue where the Beatles started will be a moment which we will never forget”.
They added: “We know the people of Liverpool will be gracious hosts and the organizers will be able to bring a real Ukrainian flavor to Eurovision 2023.”
Taras Khomych, a priest in the city’s Ukrainian parish, said: “Given the circumstances, local Ukrainians have found [the announcement] very reassuring.”
He said Eurovision could allow Ukrainian customs to be “more integrated into Liverpool life” and “develop our cultural clubs and choirs”.
Demand for accommodation in the city has surged during events taking place in the week leading up to the final on 13 May 2023, with the cheapest rooms available on Booking.com’s website being offered for at least £600 will.
The further north-west region is also expected to see a boost as former contender Manchester – around an hour’s drive – will start to welcome visitors.
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