Ed Sheeran, 31, Camila Cabello, 25, and many more stars performed at the two-hour benefit for Ukraine at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham on Tuesday. The aim of the concert was to raise funds for the humanitarian work of the British charity “Disasters Emergency Committee”.
Special guest appearances that evening included Ukraine’s 2016 Eurovision winner Jamala, 38, movingly singing her song ‘1984’, and broadcast legend Sir Trevor McDonald, 82, paying homage to the press covering the conflict. He released a statement thanking the journalists, producers and cameramen who are risking their lives to cover Russia’s war of aggression. “Never in my life did I think I would see such scenes of destruction and despair. We see them now because there are people who are risking their lives to give us uncensored accounts of what they are seeing and hearing.” , according to McDonald.
Camila Cabello: “Super important fundraiser”
Ed Sheeran and Camila Cabello present their new single “Bam Bam” live. “We are all praying tonight for the peace and security of the people of Ukraine,” Cabello said. “Thank you for being part of this super important fundraiser and please donate what you can.”
Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers performed a rousing rendition of their 1998 single “If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next”. The song was inspired by the Spanish Civil War and the Welsh volunteers fighting for the Spanish Republic.
The performance followed a special message from US pop star Billie Eilish, 20, and her brother and songwriting partner Finneas O’Connell, 24, who expressed their support for those attending the event. Eilish apologized for not being able to attend the concert in person, but called for donations, emphasizing her support for the victims of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.