UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted a Eurovision Party Reception at No.10 Downing Street on Wednesday, 10th May, to celebrate the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest and to honour the Ukrainian community. Among the guests were representatives of the Ukrainian community, CYMivtsi including: Vlod Surma, the Chair of CYM Derby and Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Group, Andriy Terlecky, member of the National Committee and volunteer at the Ukrainian Welcome Centre, along with members of the UK music industry, Ukrainian refugees, and other guests.
The highlight of the event was the performance of Ukrainian singer Ruslana, who sang her Eurovision 2004 winning hit "Wild Dances." In his speech, Rishi Sunak highlighted the strength of Ukrainians in Ukraine and in the UK, saying that the Eurovision Song Contest is a powerful force in uniting people through music and an honour for the UK to host Eurovision on behalf of our Ukrainian friends. It shows yet again that the British people will stand by them for as long as it takes"
"It's a massive honour and a privilege to be invited" said Vlod "No.10 is such an important and iconic place and it was fantastic to attend and meet other fantastic people in our community"
Reflecting on the event Andriy said, “Honoured to have been invited to 10 Downing Street last night to celebrate Ukraine and the Eurovision Song Contest! It was great to network, meet everyone, talk about Ukrainian culture and watch Ruslana perform her Eurovision hit Дикі танці ('Wild Dances’).”
Overall, the reception was a great success, and those in attendance were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate together. It was an evening to symbolically highlight the ongoing soladirty and support the UK is giving to Ukraine in this war.