Ukrainian jingles created for BBC Radio Merseyside

Irena Taranyuk is the new sound of BBC Radio Merseyside

Listeners to BBC Radio Merseyside this week will hear Ukrainian as well as English jingles as Liverpool hosts the Eurovision Song Contest.

Irena Taranyuk, from the BBC Ukrainian Service, has voiced the special “station sound” that will run across the station's output until after Saturday's grand final.

The service's editor, Marta Shokalo, said: “The whole Eurovision experience in Liverpool is about seeing and hearing Ukraine.

"We are very proud that we’ve made our own little contribution to it via the beautiful voice of our Irena Taranyuk."

Ms Shokalo added: "She has been listened to by thousands of people in Ukraine and now thousands of British people, and the guests of this event will hear this strong and beautiful Ukrainian voice.”

Ms Taranyuk said: "To be able to say in Ukrainian 'Liverpool calling' was a moment of both intense emotion and huge pride.

"It truly felt as if a part of Ukraine came to Merseyside and we were heralding the fact.

"Whoever wins Eurovision, it feels like a victory for Ukraine, the UK and for Liverpool."

'Ukraine's party'

BBC Radio Merseyside’s executive editor Andrew Bowman said: “Sam Ryder said this is Ukraine’s party and we’re hosting it in our house – and these special jingles really embody that spirit.

"We’re honoured in Liverpool to be the Host City on behalf of Ukraine. Eurovision is an amazing celebration but this year is also poignant because of the war."

Meanwhile commuters in Liverpool are being treated to music from Ukrainian buskers.

The Sounds Of The Underground campaign has been launched by train operator Merseyrail, in partnership with the Supplies For Ukraine community interest company, to raise funds for life-saving equipment for civilians and volunteers on the front lines of the conflict.

The buskers will perform traditional Ukrainian songs and commuters will be able to scan QR codes to donate and find out more.

Suzanne Grant, commercial director at Merseyrail, said: "We're delighted that we can provide an opportunity for these musicians to have their music heard during Eurovision, just as they would have done if Ukraine was able to host the event.

Merseyrail says passengers will enjoy hearing the buskers

Alfie Roberts, director at Supplies For Ukraine, said: "The ongoing war in Ukraine has robbed these incredibly talented musicians of the opportunity to share their passion and the joy of their music with the world."

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