A raft of stars has been announced for the upcoming Concert for Ukraine. The event is to be screened later this month on ITV.
Chic legend Nile Rodgers, singer-songwriter Becky Hill and Another Love hitmaker Tom Odell have been announced as part of the star-studded line-up for the musical charity event. The two-hour fundraiser, which is raising money for the humanitarian appeal in Ukraine, will also feature performances from The Kingdom Choir and Manic Street Preachers.
Radio presenters Roman Kemp, Marvin Humes and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton have also been confirmed to host the concert. Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello and rock band Snow Patrol – as well as Emeli Sande and Gregory Porter – were recently announced as acts performing.
The event, being held on March 29, is to be broadcast on ITV, STV, ITV Hub and STV Player and is produced by Livewire Pictures. They have all joined forces with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and media and entertainment group Global to stage the fundraiser.
The broadcast will combine musical performances with short films recognising the ongoing relief efforts and the difficulties faced by those affected by the conflict. Viewers will be able to donate money to the cause throughout the evening, with the event taking place at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham.
Rodgers, 69, who will be performing with his band Chic, said: “In times of trouble you can always count on great musical artists to come together to help bring focus on what really matters.
“At this moment in time nothing is more important than showing the people affected by conflict in Ukraine that we stand with them, that we are family.
“As we say in our song Everybody Dance, ‘Music never lets you down’.”
Cabello, who rose to fame as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony before launching a successful solo career, said: “My heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine.
“As refugees from Ukraine join millions of other displaced people around the globe, we all have a responsibility. One of the biggest needs is to get funds to organisations who can serve these communities directly, so we’re focusing our efforts on doing that as quickly as we can.”
Scottish singer Sande said: “I will be singing to try to help every human being forced to flee their home and in solidarity with those being racially discriminated against even within this humanitarian crisis.
“Nobody should be refused access to relief, aid and the right to cross the border to safety, and I’m pleased for the chance to support the DEC’s appeal to help all people whose lives have been affected by the conflict.”
Porter said he was “thankful to be able to raise my voice in the chorus of peace” adding: “Together we can show our support for those who are sadly affected by the current world’s events.”
The event will also see Global host a live broadcast from backstage with a show aired on its Heart and Capital networks.
Concert For Ukraine will be broadcast live on Tuesday, March 29 on ITV and STV, as well as online on ITV Hub and STV Player.
