Liverpool is officially on the shortlist of UK cities that could host next year's Eurovision Song Contest - and excitement is growing in the city.
Having made the final list of seven potential host cities, there is growing optimism that Liverpool stands a good chance of landing the showpiece event next year. With this in mind, we decided to list the many compelling reasons why Liverpool and Eurovision make the perfect match.
1. City of music
Liverpool is England's only UNESCO City of Music. It is a title that was designated to the city by the United Nations back in 2015 and which recognises Liverpool's 'clearly defined' music, education and skills strategy for young people. The award is part of Unesco's Creative Cities Network, which was created in 2004 to promote "cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development."
READ MORE: Liverpool on shortlist to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023
At the time, the UNESCO judges said Liverpool was a 'haven for music', recognising the huge amount of festivals, events and venues dedicated to promoting music and artists in the city. We couldn't agree more.
2. The Beatles
Liverpool and its musical identity has a lot more to it than the Fab Four, but they retain an incredible influence in the city and attract huge numbers of tourists every year. Liverpool's renaissance as a city over the past three decades has owed a huge amount to its visitor and tourism economy and there is no doubting what a huge role The Beatles have played in this. Would Macca be up for a surprise Eurovision appearance?
3. Major events
One thing Liverpool has proven itself successful at time and time again is the hosting of major events.
From the Giants Spectacular to Liverpool FC's recent victory parades, the city and its various authorities have shown they can put on a good show. Let's not forget that this was the city that hosted the first pilot events during the pandemic that helped to provide a blueprint for safely reopening the cultural sector.
4. Party city
It goes without saying really but Liverpool is a party city. Wherever you look at whatever time of day there is music playing and people having a good time. Scousers are generally always up for a laugh and a bit of fun and don't take themselves to seriously - which all seems to fit with the Eurovision theme.
5. Facilities
If Liverpool is successful in its bid to host Eurovision 2023, the event would be held at the arena and convention centre at the Kings Dock. The arena has a capacity of 11,000 which is more than the minimum 10,000 required for a host venue.
The Eurovision criteria also requires a host city to have enough accommodation for at least 2,0000 delegates and journalists. This would not be a problem for Liverpool and its impressive hotel offer.
It's not the biggest arena but the facilities are solid and the wider exhibition centre and waterfront setting would make it a really good setting for Eurovision 2023.
6. Boost for business
Like many other places, Liverpool businesses suffered greatly during the lockdowns of the pandemic. But Liverpool was more badly hit than some equivalent cities because of the way its economy leans. It is a city that is heavily reliant on its hospitality and tourism offer - which as we know, was most badly damaged when things shut down.
Eurovision would be an enormous boost to this sector at a time when it is badly needed.
7. It's Liverpool's turn
I think it would be fair to say that when you look at the shortlisted cities, Liverpool would feel it is line for the type of major economic boost that Eurovision would provide. Birmingham has just very successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games (and also hosted Eurovision last time it was here), while last year Glasgow welcomed the world's leaders for the huge Cop26 Climate conference. Leeds received a major boost in 2019 when broadcaster Channel 4 arrived in town and Manchester's growth has been helped by the new BBC headquarters at Media City.
The 2008 European Capital of Culture year was massive for Liverpool but it feels a long time ago now. We are well overdue our next big moment.
8. Ukraine
This year, another crucial criteria for any potential host city will involve paying tribute to Ukraine. Of course the event really should be held in Ukraine after its entry, performed b the Kalush Orchestra, won this year's event. Unfortunately it was decided that the ongoing Russian invasion of the country would make it too dangerous to host next year's contest - hence why the second place UK was asked to step in.
Liverpool has shown strong support for Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion, with public displays of solidarity and a move to welcome Ukrainian refugees to the city to set up new lives. 158 refugees have arrived in Liverpool so far, with 180 more expected to come to Liverpool.
Liverpool has pre-existing links with Ukraine as since 1957 it has been twinned with the city of Odessa, which lies in the south of the city.
A decision on which city will be handed the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be made in the autumn
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