Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello and Emeli Sandé are among the first performers to be announced for a show raising funds for the victims of the war in Ukraine.
Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol have also been confirmed for the Concert For Ukraine event, which takes place on Tuesday 29 March.
In a statement, Cabello, who rose to fame as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony before launching her solo career, told fans that “we all have a responsibility” to help.
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US jazz singer Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol (below) will also perform at the show. Pic: CTK via AP
“My heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine,” she said. “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.”
Where will donations go?
ITV, STV and Livewire Pictures have joined forces with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and media and entertainment group Global to stage the two-hour event, which will combine musical performances from Sheeran and the other stars as well as 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 ongoing DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal throughout the evening, and all sponsorship and advertising revenue generated from the broadcast – estimated to be more than £3 million – will also go to the appeal.
Tickets for the concert, which will take place at the Resorts World Arena, in Birmingham, UK, go on sale on Tuesday 22 March.
“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,” said Sandé. “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.”
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Porter said he was “thankful to be able to raise my voice in the chorus of peace”, and added: “Together we can show our support for those that are sadly affected by the current world’s events.”
Further announcements about the show are set to be made in the coming days.
Other cultural events supporting Ukraine
The show follows the Night For Ukraine concert, which featured Bob Geldof, Chrissie Hynde and rock band Franz Ferdinand, at the Roundhouse in north London earlier in March.
And other leading arts institutions including the Royal Opera House and Southbank Centre in London, and East Sussex’s Glyndebourne Opera House, have also hosted or planned fundraising events.
The DEC brings together 15 of the UK’s leading aid charities – including British Red Cross, Oxfam UK and Save the Children UK – who are working on the ground in Ukraine and at the country’s borders to help refugees.
Since it launched its appeal on 3 March, some £200 million has been raised – the latest figure released on 17 March – including £25 million matched by the UK government.
Concert For Ukraine will be broadcast live on Tuesday 29 March on ITV and STV, as well as online on ITV Hub and STV Player
