The official 'keys' of the Eurovision Song Contest were formerly passed on from previous host city Turin in Italy to Liverpool tonight at a ceremony which celebrated Ukraine. Mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, and the mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, sealed the handover, known as the Insignia, with a handshake at St George's Hall.
The international music show will take place at the 11,000-capacity Liverpool Arena in May, culminating in the grand final on May 13, after the city was chosen over Manchester and other UK cities to host the competition on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.
During the ceremony, which was broadcast on BBC Two, Mr Lo Russo said to Ms Anderson: "A little bit of advice - enjoy the event, include everybody, engage the whole city, be proud for such an incredible international stage for you, for Ukraine and for peace."
