Liverpool has to be “in it to win it” to host Eurovision despite the “bittersweet” circumstances that may lead to the song contest coming to the city next year.
Cllr Harry Doyle said Liverpool has a “unique pull” that could swing a decision on a potential UK venue for the continent-wide musical show. After an announcement was made earlier this month that Eurovision could be held in Britain due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Liverpool Council confirmed an approach to organisers had been made to stage the venue here.
In a report to members of the culture and visitor economy committee next week, Cllr Doyle said the council had held discussions with the BBC regarding potentially hosting Eurovision. He said: “Following the announcement by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be held in Ukraine, we have stated Liverpool’s intent to bid for the event to come here and have had discussions with the BBC to that end.
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"I have made it clear publicly that this is bittersweet as Ukraine as a sovereign country should have had the opportunity to host the event following their win this year. We do know however that events take a lot of time to plan, and the EBU has had to take this decision in order to get plans in place and ready for May 2023.
“We know that ours is a city of solidarity and we would be honoured to host the event for and on behalf of Ukraine, ensuring that the country is given a platform in our city. We have a world beating culture and events team in the city who would, working with stakeholders, ensure the event becomes more than an arena event and be evident throughout our communities, highlighting and celebrating Ukrainian identity and culture.”
After making its offer, Liverpool Council confirmed earlier this month that it was drawing up plans looking at options for venues, including the 11,000 seater M&S Bank Arena. Cllr Doyle said as England’s only UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool has a “unique pull that attracts visitors from across the globe to our city.”
The assistant mayor also lauded connectivity via Liverpool Airport and the addition of a new Lufthansa route via Germany. Cllr Doyle said: “You have to be in it to win it, and I believe Liverpool has the credentials, the capacity and connectivity that will deliver a world class stage for Eurovision.”
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