Eurovision Magic Comes to Colfe’s
As excitement builds for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest final, Colfe’s is to hold its very own spectacular Eurovision Fundraiser. Colfe’s Eurovision Song Contest, to be held on 11 May, promises the glitz and magic of the official contest itself in a festival of European music and language celebrating the school’s own Ukrainian community.
Colfe’s Eurovision features pupils from the Senior School performing songs from 15 European countries in their individual language. The event has been designed and organised by pupils, supported by the Modern Languages and Music departments. The presenters on the night will be Year 12 students Amelia and Freddie, with Myroslava (Year 9) acting as the official Ukrainian translator.
This year’s official Eurovision final will be hosted in the UK on 13 May on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine who are unable to host the show because of the war, and the Colfe’s event is designed to show solidarity with Ukraine. The event is free, but parents and guests will be invited to make donations on the night, and all funds raised will go to the Colfe’s Ukrainian Relief Fund, supporting the school’s Ukrainian refugee pupils.
Pupils from Years 8 to 13 will be performing an incredible array of songs, representing Ukraine, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Slovakia and the UK. The results will be based on live audience polls throughout the evening, while the final decision will be made by the Judges formed of a panel comprising staff from across the Senior School under Head Judge Nathalie Saba, Modern Languages teacher.
Ripples of excitement are already being felt through the school community as students begin publicising the events, increased only by the news of a surprise message left from a very special Eurovision fan, which will be broadcast on the night. Just like the official contest itself, passionate support is expected for each country’s performer; the audience is encouraged to come dressed up in colours, outfits and with flags representing the country they are supporting. A roving microphone crew will capture the buzz as the contestants perform and the tension as they await the results, while European party food will be served to help ensure the crowd is suitably fuelled.
Ms Saba said: “Launching stars from ABBA to Sam Ryder, the Eurovision Song Contest represents a very special moment bringing together the fun of European pop culture, music and language. We are thrilled to put on our own Eurovision event where music and languages will be celebrated for Ukraine, with this wonderful fundraising event completely put together by pupils from start to finish. Whether they score zéro points or douze points, we cannot wait to hear each and every performer and know they will do their school, the country they represent, and themselves proud.”
Parents are warmly invited from both the Junior and Senior School, along with our Ukrainian families. Tickets are expected to be snapped up quickly, so to secure your spot in the audience please use the link sent in the Parents’ Newsletter.
