People are "over the moon" and excited after it was announced Liverpool would host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.
It was announced on the BBC this evening that Liverpool will welcome the huge international event next May. The news was revealed by Graham Norton on The One Show.
Liverpool had been whittled down to the final two potential host cities along with Glasgow, beating off competition from the likes of Leeds, Manchester, and Birmingham earlier in the process.
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The UK is hosting Eurovision next year on behalf of Ukraine. Ukraine won the event this year and should be welcoming the world to Kiev in 2023 but sadly this has been deemed not possible because of the Russian invasion. The UK is stepping in after it finished second in this year's contest with artist Sam Ryder.
Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl welcomed the news and said: "Liverpool is the ideal place to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. The city is synonymous with music and Liverpool Arena exceeds all the requirements needed to stage a global event of this scale.
"We have been very impressed with the passion the city has shown in embracing the Contest and their inclusive ideas for placing last year’s winners, Ukraine, front and centre when thousands of fans visit next May. This will be the first Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the UK in 25 years and, as we work with our Host Broadcaster, the BBC, to celebrate Ukraine’s victory, this unique production promises to be a very special one indeed."
The BBC’s Director General, Tim Davie, said: "Congratulations to Liverpool. They will be an amazing host for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool is such an exciting, warm and vibrant city.
"It’s the undisputed capital of pop music and is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its twinning with the Ukrainian city of Odesa. I know the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe – and the rest of the world – with open arms, and in partnership we will create something truly special."
Hundreds of people have shared their excitement and joy as Liverpool was announced as the host city for Eurovision.
The Mayor of Odesa, Gennadiy Trukhanov, who is twinned with Liverpool, 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.”
Steve Rotheram said: "MUSIC’S COMING HOME! Music wouldn't be music without Liverpool - and now the biggest music contest in the world is coming to our region!
"Now the real work begins as we pull out all the stops for a Eurovision Europe to make Ukraine proud #SlavaUkraini."
Prime minister Liz Truss said: "Huge congratulations to Liverpool for having been selected as the hosts of Eurovision 2023. A welcoming city with a proud musical heritage, Liverpool will put on an unforgettable show which celebrates the rich culture and creativity of Ukraine."
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