Eurovision Eggs designed by children in Liverpool are unveiled at Liverpool ONE 

Inspired by the Ukrainian and Eastern European tradition of egg painting, Pysanka Eggs is a partnership between Liverpool City Council and Liverpool ONE. 

The project is part of EuroLearn, made possible thanks to generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with additional funds from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Funding from Spirit of 2012 will also support EuroLearn as well as the future evaluation of Eurovision’s benefit to the city region.

The display features seven eggs, one for each city region plus one for Ukraine. Children from across Merseyside witnessed their artwork go on display at Liverpool ONE this week.

Lets take a look at all their fantastic work: 

Liverpool Egg – Nadiya

Artist: Amrit Singh

School: St Paul and St Timothy’s Catholic Infant School in West Derby and Anfield Road Primary 

Amrit Singh said: 

“Nadiya, which means Hope in Ukrainian, is based on the traditional art of Pysanka egg decoration, featuring vibrant colours and geometric designs. The egg’s surface is painted in shades of yellow and metallic gold, representing light, purity, and strength. 

“The blue accents on the egg symbolise good health and wisdom, while the intricate patterns and texture represent growth, love, and caring. The sculpture stands tall and proud, an enduring symbol of Ukrainian heritage and tradition, exuding a sense of respect and hope.”

Knowsley Egg – Singing Nightingale Watch in the Meadow

Artist: Jo Eyles

School: St Joseph the Worker Primary School in Kirkby 

St Joseph the Worker Primary School won the chance to take part in the project after Ukrainian pupil Mykhailo Pailli’s entry was picked from hundreds across the borough. 

He wrote: “My school is a place of love and safety where I thrive”. 

Singing Nightingale Watch in the Meadow features a large nightingale sat on a viburnum willow branch and a flock of smaller nightingales in the flag colours of the 37 competing nations in Eurovision.

Jo Eyles said: 

“The nightingale is significant because in Ukrainian culture the songbird is a creator of sweet sounds, a builder of homes and a harbinger of spring; all appropriate to represent the time of year and the theme ‘United by Music’, as well as to welcome both displaced people and a festival that was itself without a home until Liverpool adopted it.” 

Mykhailo’s mother, Inna, said: 

“We are so proud that Mykhailo’s school was chosen to take part in the project thanks to his entry. It was very hard for him to change schools when we fled from Ukraine last April but the teachers and children have really helped him settle in.

Sefton Egg – Sounds We Love

Artist: Nicola McGovern

School: St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Bootle 

Nicola McGovern said: 

“The story goes that the bird came from India and sang songs to cheer people up. So, our egg explores sounds that make us feel good. This ties in really well with the themes for the EuroLearn programme of mental health and well-being, home and sanctuary. 

“Pupils illustrated sounds they love from home, nature, instruments and favourite activities and these drawings have been included in the final design of the egg.”

The egg features a night-time cityscape of Liverpool and Kyiv, which celebrates the links that Eurovision 2023 has created between the two cities, and “a heartbeat, which unites us all”. 

Wirral Egg – Peggy

Artist: Pamela Sullivan

School: Castleway, Leasowe Primary, Eastway Primary and Hayfield Primary

Pamela Sullivan said: 

“Every school has been incredible. The designs are beautiful and so full of love and support for the people of Ukraine but also full of hope too. Talking to the children about their designs and why they made them has been really inspiring. 

“The children have shown nothing but empathy and understanding for people not just from Ukraine but from all over the world who have come to our country in desperate need of our help and support.”   

St Helens Egg – Vision

Artist: Ruta Staseviciute

School: Eccleston Lane Ends Primary School

Vision reflects Ukrainian culture and traditions as well as a nod to the borough itself.

Ruta said: 

“Glass is a massively important part of St Helens’ heritage so we chose a stained-glass design for our egg. After discussing what message we wanted to send out to Ukraine and the rest of the world, we decided on unity for the theme.

“The name is not only linked to Eurovision and stained-glass vision but also the children’s visions of love, happiness and hope.

“It was really important to me that the egg design wasn’t just inspired by the children but that their artwork was actually featured so each child designed their own triangle which was then applied to the egg.”

Ukrainian Community Egg – Peaceanka

Artist: Ruta Staseviciute

In collaboration with: Ukrainian Children’s Choir, in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain

Father Taras Khomych, from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, said: 

“The families came up with the name Peaceanka as a clever wordplay on the English word ‘peace’ and the Ukrainian word ‘pysanka’. Combining the two words, this original title expresses the unique character of Eurovision 2023, organised by the UK on behalf of Ukraine. 

“Moreover, it captures the hopes of millions for peace in Ukraine and around the world. Easter is the celebration of new life and new hope, which are symbolically represented in our Peaceanka.”

Mykhailyma Kukharchuk, who coordinated the workshops on behalf of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, added: 

“Easter is a magical time in Ukraine so the children and their parents were really excited to be involved in this project. 

“For families who have been displaced from their homes, getting involved in a traditional activity has helped create a sense of security and made them feel a connection with back home, reducing anxiety.”

The seven egg sculptures will be on display from Thursday 30 March until Monday 15 May for everyone to see. So head on down to  Liverpool ONE to view this amazing installation. 

For more info on the Pysanka Eurovision Eggs click here. 

For all the latest Eurovision news keep checking The Guide Liverpool.