Liverpool's Ukrainian community would be "proud" to see the city host the Eurovision song contest in 2023.
The city is down to the final two in the race to host the show next year and is currently contending with Glasgow. A decision on which city will host the event is expected to be made in the coming days.
Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show cannot be safely held in the country following Russia's invasion.
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Rev. Dr Taras Khomych, the priest of Liverpool's Ukrainian Catholic Parish - based at St Sebastian's RC Church in Fairfield - spoke to the ECHO about what Eurovision being held in Liverpool would mean to the thousands of Ukrainians living in Merseyside.
He said: "It is very exciting. There is a dynamic and growing Ukrainian community here in Liverpool, and they don't feel marginalised. I think the boost from the Eurovision song contest would help the Ukrainian culture.
"I think Liverpool is extremely well placed to receive this Eurovision song contest because there are a lot of Ukrainians who came to Liverpool, lots of people opened their homes to Ukrainians from all over, from the North, South, East and West. There is also a strong link between Liverpool and Odessa."
When asked about what the Eurovision song contest being hosted in Liverpool would mean for Ukrainians living in Liverpool, Dr Khomych said they would be "proud".
He added: "They would appreciate this because they're not able to host it [Eurovision] themselves this year, sadly. I think they would be proud to have the contest in Liverpool."
Liverpool’s bid has also been boosted by the Mayor of its twin city, Odessa, Gennadiy Trukhanov. In a video, Mr Trukhanov sent best wishes from the south-western port city.
He said: “Dear citizens of Liverpool. Our cities are located far from each other but there are things that shorten this distance.
“Odessa and Liverpool are two maritime, free cities. Two architectural pearls that attract millions of tourists annually and also a longstanding friendship and solidarity, originated by our twinning, unite us.
“Odessa is the city where dozens of European cultures and traditions meet each other. We haven’t only absorbed them but enriched them too.”
In his video supporting Liverpool’s bid, Mr Trukhanov said like its twin city, his home has a rich musical heritage of its own. He said: “Odessa is the birthplace of many world-famous artists and musicians.
"They say Odessa has notes for any occasion - from opera to jazz. Our city was visited by many generations of Liverpudlians who walked along our streets, enjoyed our scenery and savoured our unique cuisine, but today, all of this is under threat.
“Currently melodious, talented and hospitable Odessa is fighting together with the entire Ukraine for our right to live peacefully in our land.” The Odessa Mayor said Liverpool’s candidacy would allow the city’s voices to be heard all over Europe.
He added: “In 2023, our country will not be able to host the Eurovision contest. But it does not mean that the voices of Odessan and our song will not resound for the world.
“We believe that our sister city Liverpool is worth hosting this contest, as it perfectly reflects the brightness of the event and demonstrates the true diversity within unity. We absolutely support you and wish you good luck.
“Let the songs of the entire Europe ring over the river Mersey.”
A spokesperson from Liverpool City Council said: "We know the responsibility that comes with hosting Eurovision 2023 and we are working hard behind the scenes to let the decision makers know how important this opportunity could be for Liverpool – an event to bring the global community together in one place and to help define us for the next decade.
"For Liverpool, Eurovision Means More – a mega event which will not only provide our visitor economy sector with a much needed boost but it will also kickstart a new era for the city as an international destination."
Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said: “Liverpool is an extraordinary place. We are bang in the centre of the UK but feel like a European city. We have a fiercely proud local community but have a global outlook and attitude.
“It is impossible to come here and not feel the energy which runs through our streets. There is no other city in the UK that puts on a show like Liverpool and there is no better crowd in the world."
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