Excitement builds in Merseyside as Liverpool would be "perfect" to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year.
The ECHO previously reported that the Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine. The announcement was confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC.
The decision has been made but due to safety and security concerns in Ukraine. Making the UK as the host of the 67th contest and the BBC as host broadcaster.
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There has been much excitement amongst people across Merseyside as they say Liverpool is the "perfect" place to host the song contest. ECHO reader Jim Gore said: "It’s the music capital of the world" as Catherine Katy Leuz said: "I think Liverpool would be a very good choice."
Jan Thorp said: "With its musical connections etc, I think Liverpool is the perfect city to hold it. Definitely gets my vote." Maureen Deane added: "It would be fantastic in Liverpool, home of many good singers."
The race for the host city is heating up, with Tim Davie, BBC director-general, shedding light on where the contest will be held. He said: "The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023."
Next year's host city will be chosen in the coming months following a fierce bidding process which will be launched this week. Several mayors and MPs have informally expressed an intention to bid, including Mayor Joanne Anderson. Mayor Anderson previously said: “We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and would like the opportunity for Liverpool to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and in doing so pay tribute to their wonderful country.”
Liverpool Council confirmed it would throw its hat into the ring to host the annual music event last month - and later revealed the plans to host the event would be around £2m. One ECHO reader said they "hope" it comes to Liverpool as it is a "great city" and would "bring so much revenue".
Dickie Bird said: "We have a good record for hosting big events. MTV awards, world championship boxing, live concerts etc. So why not" as Ron Walker added: "Liverpool is a mecca for music lovers from around the world, I see evidence of this all day everyday." Paul Bracewell commented: "Go for it, Liverpool the home of music."
Ukraine, as the winning country of the previous contest, will automatically qualify for the final along with France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom - the 'big five' who contribute the most financially to the contest.
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