Ahead of the much-anticipated Eurovision Song Contest, a mural at Manchester Airport station has been unveiled that immortalises last year’s Eurovision sensation, Sam Ryder and welcomes fans and passengers from around the world.

Street artist Akse, the man behind some of Manchester‘s most-memorable murals including Marcus Rashford’s famous mural, was commissioned by TransPennine Express (TPE) to create a giant artwork featuring the Space Man artist as the excitement builds ahead of this month’s Eurovision contest that is being held in Liverpool.

The mural also features a welcome message in Ukrainian, as TransPennine Express wanted to recognise Ukraine as, if it wasn’t for its war with Russia, that would have been the host country.

As thousands of passengers, and fans of Eurovision, travel through Manchester Airport station, they will be greeted with the incredible mural depicting Sam, who last year re-ignited the UK’s passion for the song contest, which is being held in the UK for the first time in 25 years.

TransPennine provides direct services into Liverpool Lime Street from key cities across the North of England and Scotland and has recently adorned a train with Eurovision livery and installed ‘Eurovision Song Zones’ at some of its stations across its network where local artists and musicians can show off their talents and entertain passengers waiting on the platform.

To learn more about special offers for visiting Liverpool by train, go to Cheap Train Tickets to Liverpool | TransPennine Express (tpexpress.co.uk).

Matthew Golton, Managing Director at TPE, said: “With thousands of customers using Manchester Airport Station and our services to connect to the host city Liverpool, we wanted to give them a memorable welcome.

“Sam Ryder became a Eurovision legend last year after his performance and so it felt only right to have his face be the first you see when arriving on our platforms.”

“We’re proud that Liverpool and the UK is stepping up in support of Ukraine and we’re delighted to be able to play a role in the competition by helping people get to Liverpool Lime Street from key cities across the North and in Scotland.”

Street artist Akse said: “It was a joy to work on this piece with TPE. Seeing passengers arriving at the station and being met with the mural of Sam Ryder certainly put a smile on their faces.  Sam is a Eurovision legend so it’s great to be able to immortalise him with this art.”