AN inspiring teenage pianist from Ukraine, who has become popular across the region for her talent, has performed in Liverpool to mark Eurovision.
Alisa Bushuieva, 13, and her mum, Svitlana Bushuieva, 47, along with their Pomeranian, Casper, lived in the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine before the Russian invasion and fled to the UK when the war broke out.
The family settled in Neston with their sponsor, but have since had to move out, leaving them with no permanent accommodation, meaning they are being moved to different hotels around Ellesmere Port daily.
Svitlana said: "The council is moving us to different hotels every day and it has been like this for two months. It's just terrible, why are we being moved every day?
"I have Alisa and Casper, we can't unpack our things."
In February Alisa, who has a passion for playing piano, played in Liverpool One to mark one year since the Russian invasion.
On Tuesday (May 9), Alisa also played piano in Liverpool for ITV as part of their Eurovision coverage and members of the public stood and watch, and so did some fellow Ukranian refugees.
READ > The story of the Ukrainian family who fled Russian invasion and settled in Neston
"This week has been so busy", Svitlana added.
"Yesterday was very bright and happy and the interviews and invitations it helps us free our minds from the problem with our accommodation.
"When Alisa played the Ukraine anthem, the crowd shouted glory to Ukraine."
Last week, Alisa was also part of The Salvation Army’s unveiling of a monument dedicated to bringing peace and hope to the people of Ukraine and everywhere for Eurovision in Strawberry Fields, Liverpool.
She has also recorded an interview with Sky News and will be appearing on BBC Breakfast on Friday (May 12), the day before the Eurovision grand final.
Svitlana said: "Alisa really enjoys playing the piano for everyone.
"Lots of people like Alisa and ask her for photos. Not just in Liverpool, but in Chester and Neston as well, she is very popular."
Heading to the live semi-final
The family will be heading to the M&S Bank Arena tomorrow (May 11) for the second semi-final of the Eurovision.
Alisa said: "I am very excited about the Eurovision. I liked Ireland, France and Norway the most in yesterday's semi-final.
"I can't wait to go to the semi-final tomorrow. For me, playing piano is great and I am very happy to play for everyone."
At the end of May, Alisa will complete three exams to get her diploma in Music School over in Poland and then will study at a UK school from June.
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