How Concert for Ukraine was put together in record time at Resorts World Arena

It was the star-studded night that shone a light on the humanitarian plight of the people of Ukraine suffering amid the Russian invasion.

More than 8,000 attended the Concert for Ukraine at Resorts World Arena with many more watching the event on TV.

As well as raising awareness the show also raised much needed funds for those forced to leave their homes, with more than £13.4 million donated at the latest count.

The event was put together using the expertise of the NEC group and Resorts World Arena.

BirminghamWorld spoke to Andy Price, Commercial Director Ticketing & Arenas NEC Group, to find out how the team managed to turn around such a huge event in record time.

The team, which hosts some of the biggest events in the world, usually has 12 to 18 months to prepare - but had just three weeks to plan for the Concert for Ukraine.

You can see our interview with Andy at the top of this story.

Can I still watch Concert for Ukraine?

Concert For Ukraine was broadcast live on Tuesday 29 March on ITV and STV.

It is available to watch on demand through catch up services ITV Hub and STV Player now.

How can I donate?

There are a number of ways to donate to the DEC, which brings together 15 leading UK aid charities at times of crisis overseas to raise funds quickly and efficiently; ITV has previously supported DEC appeals, including for the Afghanistan crisis in December 2021.

You can donate online at dec.org.uk , or via the phone on 0370 60 60 900.

To donate £10 text ‘CRISIS’ to 70150. Texts cost £10 plus the standard network charge, and the whole £10 goes to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer’s permission. For full terms and conditions and more information go to dec.org.uk.

Or you can donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque by post to Post: DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA.

Thirteen of the DEC’s 15 members are either responding or planning to respond in Ukraine or in neighbouring countries and will receive funds from this appeal.

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