Hosting Eurovision could lead to a return of civic pride in Liverpool not seen since the European Capital of Culture status 14 years ago, according to the region’s Metro Mayor.
In 2008, 50,000 people descended on St George’s Hall for the launch of the European Capital of Culture. Major musical acts, arts exhibitions and the opening of the now M&S Bank Arena came to life as part of a designation bestowed on Liverpool by the European Union for 12 months. The year-long status was deemed an outright success by many and gave back a sense of local pride to thousands of city residents.
Steve Rotheram, who was Lord Mayor of the city during that time, and now Metro Mayor, said Liverpool’s hosting of Eurovision 15 years later could restore that feel good factor once again. The city secured the right to host the European song contest last week after beating competition from Glasgow in the final run off.
