Eurovision is just around the corner and city preparations are well underway.
The 67th edition of the song-writing spectacle and associated events will kick off right here in Liverpool on Tuesday, May 9 until the grand final on Saturday, May 13. The contest will be held at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena, with thousands of locals and tourists alike expected to attend the shows.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an incredibly popular annual event, held this time in Liverpool after the city beat off competitors including Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham to play host, due to ongoing conflict in winning country, Ukraine.
READ MORE: Ultimate guide for Eurovision Song Contest week in Liverpool
Typically, winning countries host the next competition, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, broke from tradition after ruling it would not be safe to hold the 2023 contest in Ukraine.
Liverpool is pulling out all the stops to do Ukraine proud, with its dedicated 'EuroVillage' set up as a central hub of activity over the course of the dazzling event, and build up. It's a dedicated fan zone that's open to the public, and promises glitz, glamour and good times.
Based at Liverpool's Pier Head, the EuroVillage will open its gates from Friday, May 5 until the Grand Final on Saturday, May 13, where it will host the 'Eurovision Village Main Event - The Grand Final Viewing party. Here's everything you need to know about EuroVillage:
Where is the Eurovision Village?
The Eurovision Village can be found at the Pier Head, L3 1HN. It's a dedicated fan zone and will play host to a range of entertainment, from May 5 until May 12.
There will be one main entrance for the Eurovision Village Main Event on May 13 at Water Street.
What time does Eurovision Village open?
The site will open at different times over the nine days it's in operation, with each day boasting a different theme:
- Friday, May 5 - 'Welcome to Eurotopia', doors open at 5.30pm
- Saturday, May 6 - 'A Royally Good Party', doors open at 10.30am
- Sunday, May 7 - 'Firstival', doors open at midday
- Monday, May 8 - 'This is Ukraine', doors open at midday
- Tuesday, May 9 - 'Night At The Opera', doors open at midday
- Wednesday, May 10 - 'United By Music', doors open at midday
- Thursday, May 11 - 'Jamala Presents Qirim', doors open at midday
- Friday, May 12 - 'EuroEve', doors open at midday
- Saturday, May 13 - 'Grand Final Party' on the Pier Head (ticketed), doors open at 2pm
Full line-up for Eurovision Village
Around 100 acts including pop stars, new hitmakers and more will take to the stage to entertain the masses. Big names include Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Vengaboys and Katrina Leskanich, of Katrina and the Waves. There'll also be a line-up of DJs. In honour of Ukraine, there'll also be Discover Ukraine, a dedicated area focused on Ukrainian creatives.
The full schedule of performers can be seen here.
Is the Eurovision Village free and do I need a ticket?
From May 5 until May 12, Liverpool's Eurovision Village fan zone will be free and non-ticketed. The only exception is the Grand Final Party, which costs £15 a ticket, though this is already sold out.
Can I buy tickets to the Grand Final Party on the day?
All tickets are currently sold out, and were sold online prior to the event. If capacity isn't reached on the big day, some may become available at the onsite box office but there are no guarantees.
Are there age restrictions at Eurovision Village?
The 'Eurovision Village Main Event - The Grand Final Viewing Party' is an 18+ event. Identification may be requested upon entry to the event and nobody under the age of 18 will be permitted entry.
Are any items banned at Eurovision Village?
There's a number of banned items, including liquids, aerosols, creams and gels in containers above 100ml; bags larger than A4 in size (there's also no luggage storage on site); alcohol purchased off-site; chairs, folding chairs or similar; glass/metal bottles or containers; flags of countries not participating in the Eurovision Song Contest; flag poles; remote controlled items, including drones; selfie sticks; umbrellas; crash helmets and more. A full list of banned items can be viewed here.
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