The Beatles statue dressed in Ukrainian clothing ahead of Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool

The Beatles statue in Liverpool has been dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing ahead of the city hosting Eurovision.

Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Star and John Lennon, who all walk side-by-side in the sculpture, have been draped in white Vyshyvankas in a show of solidarity with Eurovision winners Ukraine.

The embroidered shirts, which are a national costume, have been sourced from the war-torn state.

It comes as the city is set to host the international music festival next month.

Ukrainian holiday Vyshyvanka Day, which usually takes place in the third week of May, sees the country’s residents embrace their folk history and wear traditional costumes.

The iconic Waterfront statue of the Liverpool-born Fab Four will help to welcome music fans across the word, after the city was chosen to host the contest as the UK scored second place in 2022.

Ukraine were unable to host Eurovision as the country still faces conflict due to the Russian invasion.

The BBC, which is organising Eurovision as the national broadcaster, has been using branding with the Penny Lane typeface, sharing a name with The Beatles’ hit from 1967.

The corporation previously said Ukraine will be a “rich ribbon running through” the event and is using the country’s camera equipment, while Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina will present the event on the BBC.

Sanina, 32, who came second at Eurovision in 2016 with her band The Hardkiss, will be joined by fellow hosts singer Alesha Dixon, comedian Graham Norton and Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham.

All 37 countries have chosen their acts to compete in the 2023 competition, with Ukraine opting for Tvorchi’s song Heart Of Steel and the UK being represented by Mae Muller with I Wrote A Song.

The music show, which will take place at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, will hold its semi-finals on May 9 and 11.

The grand final is on May 13 and will air live on BBC One and will also be broadcast in cinemas.