How Liverpool is embracing Ukraine for Eurovision

Liverpool is hosting this year’s Eurovision on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, so lots of the events surrounding the contest have a strong Ukrainian influence.

Our city has really shown its support and solidarity with Ukraine, from the start of the conflict and now as hosts. Here’s how Liverpool is embracing Ukraine for Eurovision …

Liverpool Cathedral

As part of EuroFestival, Izyum at the Cathedral gives an incredibly powerful insight into what it was like for families having to flee their homes after the Russian invasion. Ukrainian artist Katya Buchatska’s video installation, which was filmed in real time, takes people on a poignant train journey showing the escape made by thousands. From May 1 to 19, 10am-6pm. 

For more info click here.

Rave UKraine 

Two simultaneous raves will be happening in Liverpool and in Kyiv, bringing together clubbers from both cities in a show of unity. Another EuroFestival event, Rave UKraine on Sunday May 7 is happening at Content in Cains Brewery Village and HVLV Bar in Kyiv, with a daytime start before the Kyiv curfew kicks in. All profits go to support humanitarian aid in Ukraine.  Artists announced so far include Hot Chip, Ukrainian DJ Mingulitka, DJ Paulette and James Lavelle.

For more info click here.

The Nest candles

The Albert Dock’s independent art and design shop, The Nest, is helping two best friends from Ukraine to restart their candle business after escaping the war at home. Anna Shturmak and Anastasiia Berest’s beautiful candle collection VIRA is being showcased and sold at The Nest in the run-up to Eurovision on a non-profit basis.

For more info click here.

Ukrainian walking tours 

A Ukrainian woman who found safety in the UK last year as a refugee is running free walking tours of Liverpool in Ukrainian during Eurovision. Journalist Maria Romanenko arrived last March after making a dangerous journey across the Polish border. Now, with thousands of Ukrainian refugees heading to Liverpool for Eurovision, she wants to make them feel even more welcome by offering tours of Liverpool in their home language during the contest on May 7, 10 & 12.

For more info click here.

Flash mob 

Want to be part of what’s going to be an enormous flash mob in support of Ukraine? #HelpUkraineSong plans to create the world’s biggest ever physical and digital flash mob across the UK during the build up to, and on Eurovision finals day on Saturday May 13. It wants everyone to come together to perform The Beatles’ classic With A Little Help From My Friends at 12noon UK time and donate to War Child, which is the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict. Anyone can join in, either in a group or on their own, outdoors or at home.

For more info click here.

EuroFestival 

This is the big cultural programme that’s taking over the city from the start of May until finals Saturday with 24 different commissions – from art installations and music events to the Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade – happening across the city. Designed to showcase the unifying power of music and art and promote the contest’s United By Music theme, 19 of the commissions are collaborative projects between UK and Ukrainian artists.

For more info click here.

Xpresia Festival

Xpresia is a unique and free to attend festival concept that brings together different forms of electronic and performing arts within a three-day programme, from May 7-9, celebrating culture, unity, and creative freedom of expression. As part of EuroFestival, more than 30 Ukrainian and UK artists will showcase their work in the Ten Streets area, at independent arts and music venues The Invisible Wind Factory – Hall, Substation & Garden – Meraki, and Quarry.

For more info click here.

Beer Together

It wouldn’t be a party without beers, and The Rambling Beer Co. has helped bring together independent breweries in Liverpool and Ukraine to create eight collaboration beers especially for Eurovision. All eight will be on sale at the Head of Steam pub on Hanover Street and Black Lodge Brewery in the Baltic, and there’ll also be tastings and tours in the week of the semi-finals and final.

For more info click here.

For all the latest Eurovision news keep checking in with us at The Guide Liverpool.