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LIVERPOOL TO HOST EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2023
The Eurovision spotlight is set to shine on Liverpool after it was announced the city will host the world-famous competition on behalf of the UK .
The European Broadcast Union ( EBU ) and the BBC whittled the competition down from 20 cities , and announced that Liverpool will host the event on behalf of Ukraine 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-scale cultural events 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 the City of Odesa , Gennadiy Trukhanov said : “ 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 , said : “ 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 .”
Director of Culture Liverpool , Claire McColgan CBE , said : “ This feels like our European Capital of Culture win all over again – I ’ m ( almost ) lost for words , but not quite ! It has been a whirlwind few months where we have spent hundreds upon hundreds of hours devising a meaningful , thought-provoking bid which is energising , inspiring and pays homage to the Ukraine and its incredible people . Liverpool is the right city to host this event – it ’ s a bitter-sweet win , but will be a showcase of solidarity across the UK and Europe . It will be an extraordinary time and we can ’ t wait for the next part of the journey .”
Steve Rotheram , Mayor of the Liverpool City Region , said : “ Home to more UK number one hits than anywhere else , the birthplace of The Beatles , Cilla Black , Gerry and the Pacemakers , The Real Thing , Elvis Costello , The Zutons – and now the host of Eurovision 2023 – the Liverpool City Region is undoubtedly the UK ’ s cultural capital ! While we came up against stiff competition from Glasgow , who deserve more than the nil points they have received on this occasion , nowhere is more experienced or qualified , and nowhere throws a party quite like we do . We want to put on a show that Ukraine would be proud of , and we have been working closely with Liverpool ’ s sister city of Odesa to ensure that this is their event as much as our own . Now the hard work begins . Putting on a show that will give millions a night they will never forget in one of the most turbulent and trying years for our continent is no mean feat . If anywhere is capable of it , it is the Liverpool City Region – with a little help from our friends in Ukraine . Slava Ukraini !”
8 wirrallife . com