VOCAL SUPPORT
The stars are out to raise money for Ukraine with a one-off concert. KERRI-ANN ROPER finds out more
PEOPLE up and down the country are doing their bit to help those in Ukraine – from donating clothes and money to offering to house refugees.
Now musicians are coming together to stage a one-off musical charity event for the stricken country.
Ed Sheeran, The Manic Street Preachers and Snow Patrol are all part of the star-studded line-up for the Concert for Ukraine. Camila Cabello, who will also perform, says: “My heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine”, adding “we all have a responsibility” to help.
Nile Rodgers, 69, who will be performing with band Chic, says: “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’.”
Proceeds from the two-hour fundraising event will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, which is providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance to refugees in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
Radio presenters Roman Kemp, Marvin Humes and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton will host the concert.
Also on the bill are Becky Hill, Tom Odell, Gregory Porter, The Kingdom Choir and Emeli Sande.
Scottish singer Emeli says: “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.”
The event, this Tuesday, is to be broadcast on ITV and 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.
All sponsorship and advertising revenue generated from the broadcast – estimated to be more than £3 million – will be donated by ITV to the DEC appeal.
Gregory says 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.”