Liverpool to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Everything we know so far

It's official! Liverpool has been chosen to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of Ukraine.

The news was officially announced on The One Show by Graham Norton, ending weeks of speculation over which UK city who get the honour.

Hosts of Eurovision 2023

Liverpool was one of seven cities shortlisted earlier this year to host the competition on behalf of winners Ukraine, after it was decided they were unable to take on hosting duties due to the on-going war.

Eurovision 2023 shortlist

Late last month, the seven cities including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Birmingham were narrowed down to two: us and Glasgow. We are delighted that Liverpool won the bid to host and will bring you news on the event as we know it.

Where will Eurovision 2023 be hosted?

The M&S Bank Arena was proposed by Liverpool at the early stages of their bid to host the song contest. The venue is known for hosting the MTV music awards as well as big names like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Beyoncé.

Getting to the M&S Bank Arena (Liverpool Arena)

Direct public transport to the Arena is by bus and James Street railway station is a short walk away. The station is two stops away from Liverpool Lime Street mainline station.

Buy tickets for Eurovision 2023

There's some important information from the official Eurovision account on how to buy tickets here.

What were Liverpool's credentials for the Eurovision bid?

Aside from the M&S Bank Arena sitting on King's Dock, other aspects of Liverpool as a city certainly contributed to snatching the city the win over Glasgow.

Namely, the city is known for its culture and was even awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008.

On top of that, there’s also a large LGBTQ+ community in Liverpool, which is important for an event like Eurovision, which celebrates diversity and togetherness.

The city even has its very own 'Gay Quarter'- which will be welcoming Eurovision afterparties with open arms.

Eurovision officials previous acknowledged Liverpool as 'the city of pop' making it a prime candidate to stage international Euro-pop bops next year.

When is Eurovision 2023?

Eurovision 2023 will take between the 9th and 13th of May 2023, with the final taking place on Saturday 13th May.

Semi-final 1: 9th May 2023

Semi-final 2: 11th May 2023

Grand Final: 13th May 2023

Eurovision 2023 winners Kalush Orchestra respond to Liverpool winning the bid to host

Kalush Orchestra released a statement on the day the news was announced (7th October): 'We are very pleased that next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Liverpool. Though we haven’t had the privilege of visiting yet, the musical heritage of the city is known all over the world.

'Playing in the same place that The Beatles started out will be a moment we’ll never forget! Although we are sad that next year’s competition cannot take place in our homeland, we know that the people of Liverpool will be warm hosts and the organisers will be able to add a real Ukrainian flavour to Eurovision 2023 in this city.'

Liverpool's winning bid supported by Ukrainians

Ukrainian refugees who now live in the city were reportedly hoping that Liverpool would win today's bid.

Ukrainian priest Taras Homitch, who lives in Liverpool, told us here at Hits Radio Liverpool : "Refugees found their second home here and they will be simply delighted if Eurovision comes to this city which is now home for them."

Liverpool has a strong Ukrainian community and will reportedly honour them during the celebrations next year.

The most watched Eurovision performances:

Read more:

Find out more about the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest here.

Hear all the latest news from across Merseyside on the hour, every hour, on 96.7FM, DAB, at radiocity.co.uk, and on the Radio City app.

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