There’s many a Eurovision related event this week, and I attended a gathering in Smith’s Square, Westminster this evening, to mark the Liverpool finals with a select band of artists and parliamentarians arranged by UK Music and InHouse Communications.
I had been contacted at the end of April by Tom at UK Music, who asked if I could assist with the music elements of the evening. The combination of a live performance by Katrina – who with the Waves was the last UK winner in 1997 – and a DJ was planned. Diageo and YouTube were to be the main sponsors and the theme of ‘United in Music’ was being circulated in the corridors of Westminster, with the aim of attracting MPs and Peers.
I arrived early, in case further help was required in setting up, but all was in order and I soon met Luciana Berger, CEO of InHouse, who had previously been a very welcome supporter of the MU during her time as a Liverpool Wavertree MP.
Once the event was in full swing, I spoke to Penny Mordaunt – only a few days after her starring role in the Coronation at Westminster Abbey – and arranged for her choice of music with the DJ; Pete Wishart of the SNP (and former pro musician); long-term friend Dave Wooding (Editor of the Express); Matt Hancock MP; and, to my joy, the legendary Sandie Shaw.
Katrina performed a short set, kicking off with Walking on Sunshine, and after a medley of classic female-led hits by the Eurythmics, Blondie and Belinda Carlisle, closed with her Eurovision winner, Love Shine a Light.
