Team which brought Eurovision to Liverpool awarded for their work
A ceremony was held at Liverpool Town Hall last night
A special ceremony's been held at Liverpool Town Hall to recognise the work of the team which brought Eurovision to life in Liverpool.
The BBC and the event owners, the European Broadcasting Union, have been given the first ever Liverpool UNESCO City of Music Award.
It's an annual recognition for individuals and organisations who make an outstanding contribution to the city region's music sector.
Guests at the ceremony included the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, council members, and Steve Rotheram.
Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “We couldn’t let this unforgettable chapter in our history pass without giving recognition to the BBC and EBU who were pivotal in Liverpool’s success as Eurovision host city.
“This was a Eurovision like no other – we were throwing the party on behalf of Ukraine, and all partners felt the weight of that responsibility throughout this entire journey.
“We were never in doubt that the BBC would stage an incredible show at the Arena – and the record-breaking viewing figures are testament to their achievements – but what is really special is how they, and the EBU, embraced the city, they got to know our story and our heritage and they helped us showcase the very best of Liverpool to the world.
“Both organisations are worthy recipients of this inaugural award and I’m looking forward to thanking them in person.”
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said: “Home to more number one hits than anywhere else, it’s safe to say that Liverpool wouldn’t be Liverpool without music – and music wouldn’t be music without Liverpool.
"While few places can claim to have made such an impact on world music as we have, I think the real reason we came out top in the race to host Eurovision was because, quite simply, nowhere else can throw a party quite like us!
“Staging a global spectacle like Eurovision is no mean feat and it took a huge, collective effort from across the Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, Eurovision, and the BBC to put on a night that will live long in people’s memories.
"This is a way of demonstrating our appreciation for their contribution in helping us to put on an unforgettable show – and showing the world the real Liverpool City Region.
"Now the work begins to build on the legacy of Eurovision 2023 to ensure that our region’s creative and music scene continues to thrive for years to come.”
Director of Culture Liverpool, Claire McColgan CBE, said: “As a UNESCO City of Music we are always looking both inwardly at what we can do to support and boost this valued sector, but equally at how our reputation as a music city is communicated to those outside of the city – nationally and internationally.
“For some months we have been looking at establishing an award which recognises those who make a real impact when it comes to celebrating Liverpool and its music credentials – and after what we have experienced since the moment we were announced host city in October 2022, there was no doubt that our BBC and EBU Eurovision partners had to receive this honour.
“Eurovision has been a defining moment for us and legacy will be felt for many years to come, and no more so than in our music sector.
“Just like we experienced 15 years ago with Capital of Culture – it doesn’t end when the stage lights are turned off and we sweep up that last sequin – in fact the journey is just beginning as we look to build on this unparalleled success and create tangible, positive changes for the city and our much-loved music sector.”