Ukrainian refugee, living in Winchester, wins tickets to Eurovision

Winchester resident Liubov Shpakova, 44, was one of a few lucky entrants who won tickets to the grand final in Liverpool thanks to a competition for Ukrainian refugees.

Following a year away from her home in Kyiv, Liubov was excited to get a taste of Liverpool with her sister at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Despite having their train tickets cancelled due to strikes, the pair managed to make it to the stadium after hitching a lift with others stuck in Winchester before getting the train from Basingstoke to London and then London to Liverpool.

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Liubov, who lives by Winchester Bus Station, said: “I’ve always been a big fan and constantly watched it back when I was in Ukraine.

“I was surprised to get tickets and very much enjoyed it. The sound system was great, the performances were beautiful and the event was so well organised. It was amazing to watch it with my own eyes and not behind the screen.

“It was fair that the competition was held in UK after coming second. For us, it was more of a gift that the UK offered to host for Ukraine, it benefitted both places.

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“The result was fair enough. I understand the professional jury but people have different tastes so I think it should be much more about the people’s vote.”

Liubov, who works from home for a Ukrainian company, has been supported by the International Rescue Committee through its refugee integration programmes which include English language classes, newcomer orientation and job readiness training.

She said: “I’m comfortable here in Winchester and the people here are kind and more than happy to help. I also love the art and the old buildings.”

For more information on the International Rescue Committee go to rescue.org/uk/.