Liverpool's Director of Culture said the city's "joy, colour and exuberance" would be a perfect match for the Eurovision Song Contest.
The city's Director of Culture, Claire McColgan CBE, said Liverpool will "definitely" submit a bid following yesterday's announcement that the UK would officially host Eurovision in 2023. The announcement was confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC.
The decision has been because of safety and security concerns in hosting the event in Ukraine - this year's winning nation. The EBU confirmed the UK as the host of the 67th contest and the BBC as the host broadcaster.
READ MORE: Eurovision would be 'fantastic' in Liverpool as excitement builds
BBC Director-General Tim Davie announced the broadcasting company was beginning "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". Mr Davie added: "The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity."
Ms McColgan CBE has now reaffirmed Liverpool's interest in hosting the event. The director of culture said: “We’re a city well-versed in staging major events, and if we meet the criteria we will definitely submit a bid.
“As a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool is filled with joy, colour and exuberance which would be a perfect match for Eurovision, and we would take the opportunity to pay tribute to Ukraine, standing in solidarity with its wonderful people and honouring their incredible resolve.”
Mayor Joanne Anderson also said: "Eurovision is an event that’s made for the city of Liverpool." This followed an earlier statement where she 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.
In a previous report to councillors sitting on the culture and visitor economy select committee on Eurovision, Cllr Harry 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.” Launching its bid publicly last month, Liverpool Council said the city’s music credentials were “second to none”.
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