Huge stars took to the stage as Liverpool officially launched this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
The international event opened today with the Turquoise Carpet and The National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome party. This year's acts arrived on the carpet in a glamorous celebration welcoming them to the city.
One by one, the Eurovision entrants met and greeted fans outside the World Museum at St George's Square, chatting about the contest, their music and their personal experiences in Liverpool.
READ MORE: 23 of the best things to do while you're in Liverpool for Eurovision 2023
Mae Muller, who will be representing the UK in the competition, spoke of her nerves ahead of the "magical" opening ceremony in Liverpool. The 25-year-old singer met fans as she walked the Turquoise Carpet, along with the 36 other acts due to take part.
She said: "I feel like it's getting real now, but the closer it gets the more excited I am. I just feel really honoured to be able to be a part of it and I feel like being able to see everyone that has come out, it just makes it even more magical.
"The nerves are there. They're there, they're having a little party inside but I'm just trying to stay focused, focus on the positives and try and enjoy it."
Later on a huge party took place at The National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome on St George's Square, with hosts AJ Odudu and Joel Dommett. Acts included Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who reunited after more than 30 years, the Lightning Seeds, Atomic Kitten and Jamie Webster.
There were also aerial performers who dangled from a crane over Lime Street station and drone shows which spelt out "Liverpool loves Ukraine" and "United by Music". There was also a one of kind lighting display that will be directly projected against St George's Hall.
Earlier in the day at the EuroVillage on the Pier Head there were a series of free concerts aimed at families with appearances from children's favourites Hey Duggee, Bluey and Bingo and Andy and the Odd Socks.
There were some crowding at issues at The National Lottery's Welcome party. Some people were seen being carried over barriers to get out of the concert area after becoming distressed.. ECHO reporters at the event described seeing people looking distressed and concerned at the overcrowding.
One person at the concert said they had seen around 40 people being helped over the barriers. Presenter Joel Dommett was then heard encouraging people in the crowd to spread out. The event continues after things calmed down.
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said at the time: “Stewards assisted a few people who were uncomfortable in the crowd. The event started on time and is getting a great reception from the audience.”
"We continue to monitor the situation throughout the show to make sure people are comfortable."
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