Key members of Liverpool's successful Eurovision 2023 bid have shared what made the city's campaign so special.
A jubilant mood swept across the region last night when Graham Norton announced Liverpool would host the international spectacle next May. Liverpool won over competition from other major cities such as Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham to become next year's host.
The contest will be held across the M&S Bank arena and convention centre - and the event complex's managing director told the ECHO why the city is the perfect Eurovision host. Faye Dyer said: "It will have come down to the people, the culture, the ethos, the whole vibe that is Liverpool and what is the right fit for Eurovision.
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"Alongside the glitz and glamour, Eurovision is about how people are made to feel and that is down to our communities. That's not down to any infrastructure, that is down to the people that live here and made Liverpool their home and how they make other people feel when they come here."
The bid was led by Claire McColgan and the council's director of culture said Liverpool "is hard to ignore" when the people unite behind a cause like they have behind the Eurovision bid. She said: "It's one of those things that captured everyone's imagination.
"It's the most important Eurovision ever because of what it stands for and this city has always stood up for people in need. It's a city of solidarity and compassion.
"We will do a really good show but it will be the people of Liverpool that embraces this. They know this is slightly more important than a party in an arena. This is about peace, Europe and music.
"It's got so many different angles to it and I just know that Liverpool and Eurovision are a match." The UK is hosting Eurovision next year on behalf of Ukraine, who are unable to stage the event due to the Russian invasion.
Billy Addy is the Chief Executive of Liverpool Bid, who led the private sector's approach in the campaign, and he said the campaign's strong focus on Ukrainian culture also made the bid stand out.
He said: "We know Liverpool can deliver events and moments, but this is something different because this is the first time Liverpool have been asked to represent a country at war. The fact we didn't just pay lip service and we actually really engaged with Ukrainian culture was important."
Liverpool is twinned with Odessa in Ukraine - and Ms Dyer said the special connection meant Merseyside was best placed to run an event that pays respect to Ukraine. She added: "We have been able to actively listen.
"It's not about Liverpool deciding what they think is best. It's about having those connections, really listening and taking that advice."
A special programme of events celebrating Ukrainian culture is set to be announced and Ms McColgan said the people of Liverpool are ready to do Ukraine proud. She said: "Liverpool could give that compassion and heart because of its relationship with Odessa."
Ms McColgan has worked in the city for 30 years and she said Liverpool's vibrant spirit means she has no doubts the event will be a success. She said: "Liverpool could give Eurovision that great sparkle. What I love most about this city is the way that audiences respond to brilliant things.
"One thing you can count on is the people of Liverpool coming up trumps and showing the world to have a party."
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