The Eurovision spotlight is set to shine on Liverpool after it was announced the city will host the world-famous competition on behalf of Ukraine.

The European Broadcast Union (EBU) and the BBC whittled the competition down from 20 cities, and today announced that Liverpool will host the event on behalf of last year’s winners in 2023.

The city, which began preparing its bid in June, received praise for its world-class facilities including the M&S Bank Arena and ACC Liverpool, the innovation behind its cultural programme, the plans to celebrate Ukrainian people and community and the ‘walkability’ of the city.

Liverpool’s unrivalled reputation for staging large cultural events also played a key part in the decision-making process – as did the city’s relationship with its sister city Odesa.

The city region-wide support for Liverpool’s bid also proved to be a hit with the judges, and the ‘Team Liverpool’ approach was noted as residents, visitors, organisations and community groups across the city got behind the bid.

Liverpool’s Eurovision team will now start to put their plans into action, which includes working with Ukrainian street artists and fashion designers, creating a Liverpool/Ukraine community education programme and developing plans to host a special culture trail featuring Eurovision and scouse legend Sonia.

A dedicated website will be developed in the coming weeks as will more details about how people can get involved in the run-up to, and during, the event.

The Mayor of Odesa, Gennadiy Trukhanov, says:  “It is a matter of great pleasure to know that the bid of Liverpool, our sister city, to host the Eurovision Contest in 2023 is successful!

“Your city is worthy of that as it embodies the colourfulness and brightness of entire Europe. You definitely know how to make the world dance and sing along with you.

“Next year all musical roads of Europe will lead to your city, and we are happy that not only Eurovision contest will decorate Liverpool, but the city itself will adorn the event too. All of Odesa is looking forward to literally hearing from you!”

Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, adds : “I’m over the moon that Eurovision is coming to Liverpool!

“We knew that we faced strong competition from Glasgow, but we also knew that we had a great bid underpinned by the expertise of our award-winning Culture Liverpool team and supported by all our brilliant partners.

“This is a massive event and the eyes of the world will be on us in May, especially those of our friends in Ukraine.

“Now begins months of work to put on the best party ever. Ukraine – you have my promise we will do you proud.”

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