The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 team has been honoured with the first-ever Liverpool UNESCO City of Music Award.
The Eurovision host broadcaster, the BBC, and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) received the award for their contribution to the city region’s music sector during the Eurovision period.
This year's Eurovision has been hailed as one of the biggest ever in terms of production, backed by a staggering community effort which saw the first-ever EuroFestival take place. Martin Österdahl, the contest's directing supervisor, also gushed that this year has set a new precedent for the contest's potential.
READ MORE: Receive latest from Elle Edwards murder trial straight to your phone with our WhatsApp community
In the lead-up to the contest kicking off, the BBC developed a range of dedicated Eurovision programming including one-off specials of some of their staple shows like EastEnders, to documentaries, look-backs and Eurovision music channels.
The ceremony took place at Liverpool Town Hall where the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Mary Rasmussen, joined Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle and Director of Culture Liverpool Claire McColgan, in presenting this new honour to those who headed up the event.
The Liverpool contest exceeded expectations across the board. An additional million viewers across Europe topped last year's show while the city welcomed an extra 500,000 visitors compared to the 100,000 forecast.
The 2023 contest has been hailed as the most successful host city programme ever, with millions of pounds injected into the local economy. A full evaluation of the impact of the contest is currently taking place with the results expected in July.
READ NEXT
- Live court updates as Connor Chapman stands trial for Elle Edwards' murder
- Connor Chapman booked romantic getaway 'with prosecco and rose petals' days after Elle Edwards murder
- Millions of people will receive one off £100 payments from today
- Receive latest from Elle Edwards murder trial straight to your phone with our WhatsApp community
- Boots' 'gorgeous' £5 cream that 'feels luxurious without breaking the bank'
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
