Eurovision fever takes over on HMS Mersey in Liverpool
Eurovision fever has taken over on board HMS Mersey in Liverpool as the city gets ready for the song contest final on Saturday.
The patrol vessel has returned to Liverpool while flying the colours of Ukraine, to coincide with the city's hosting of the contest.
On Friday morning, the ship welcomed 80 members of Liverpool's Ukrainian community - many of whom fled to the UK after Russia's invasion last year - on board for a tea party.
Commanding Officer of HMS Mersey, Lieutenant Commander James Mitchell, told Forces News: "It's great to be back in our spiritual home here on Merseyside here in the great city of Liverpool.
"It's just an absolutely amazing atmosphere here at the moment. Everywhere you walk in town, you cannot avoid the Eurovision buzz and the atmosphere that is there."
HMS Mersey has docked close to Liverpool's 'Eurovision Village' and her wearing of Ukraine's colours was done in solidarity with the country and in recognition of the winning band in 2022 Kalush.
Musicians from the Royal Marines Corps of Drums are performing on board the ship.
With this the first Eurovision-hosted event in the UK for 25 years, Armed Forces personnel will help to ensure the security of the contest.
Fifty Armed Forces personnel are working alongside Merseyside Police to provide Explosive Ordinance Disposal and High Assurance Venue Search leading up to the Grand Final.
Deputy Commander of 29 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Group, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Jones said: "We often provide our specialist capabilities to support the security of major events but there is a particular resonance to this operation given that Eurovision is taking place in Liverpool because of the situation in Ukraine.
"We are proud to play our part in this national event to ensure that the event runs as smoothly and safely as possible."
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