London’s message of support to Ukraine ahead of Eurovision

• Locations across the capital will light-up in yellow and blue this Saturday in support of Ukraine
• Eurovision fans will unite in Battersea Park for an official fan zone, as the UK hosts the contest on behalf of Ukraine
• Mayor sends message of support to the Ukrainian people

London will send a message of solidarity and support to the people of Ukraine on Saturday night as the UK hosts the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the country.

Locations across the capital will be lit in yellow and blue, while 3,000 fans will gather in Battersea Park for a special screening of the song contest, which is taking place in Liverpool.

Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, City Hall and the Outernet entertainment district in the heart of Soho will be among locations lit-up in the colours of the Ukraine flag. The London Eye will feature both the UK and Ukraine colours, including a special display if either country receives 12 points.

Fans will gather in Battersea Park to watch the final at a special screening organised by Wandsworth Council and supported by the Mayor of London, while the 2,000-capacity music venue HERE at Outernet and nine Vue Cinemas in the capital are among the many venues broadcasting the show live.

Ukraine won last year’s contest but is unable to host the event this year due to the ongoing war.

The UK was invited to be the host by The European Broadcasting Union after finishing second.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "Eurovision is a fantastic way to celebrate the incredible diversity, culture and music of our continent. London stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and I’m proud that our capital’s landmarks will be lit up in support of their nation.

“Ukrainians have shown incredible strength and courage as they continue to resist Putin’s horrendous attack against their country and it is only right that Britain honours them as we welcome visitors from across the globe on their behalf.”

Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: "Wandsworth is delighted to be hosting London’s official fan zone screening of the Eurovision final in Battersea Park on Saturday. We are providing a fantastic big screen experience for thousands of Londoners and offering free tickets to 100 local Ukrainian refugees so they can attend too.  We are proud to show our solidarity and support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Wandsworth’s involvement highlights how proud we are to have offered sanctuary to London’s second highest number of refugee families from Ukraine. Providing a safe haven and a warm welcome to all those forced to flee their homeland is a key commitment for Wandsworth as a Borough of Sanctuary.”

Jessica Dracup-Holland, Director of Partnerships Outernet, said: “Eurovision is such a momentous event and even more so this year as the UK hosts on behalf of Ukraine. We are very glad we are able to show our support and solidarity by lighting up the Outernet district in the colours of the Ukraine flag on what will be a fantastic day for music and community spirit."

Imran Tauqir, General Manager at the lastminute.com London Eye, said: “We’re excited to be celebrating the return of the Eurovision Song Contest Final to the UK by lighting up the London skyline in the colours of the UK and Ukrainian flags. It is the first time that the London Eye has ever lit specially for Eurovision. It was important for us to honour Ukraine as the official host of the event, so we’ve designed the first-ever dual flag light-up for the attraction to mark this unique and special show. We wish both Ukrainian and UK entries the best of luck and we hope they both win top points on Saturday to dazzle the London skyline with our live scoreboard.”