A Liverpool street has 'been renamed' ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest after a University of Liverpool employee made a joke in a meeting.
Stuey Carroll, who works at the university, made the joke during a meeting between university officials, Liverpool City Council and other key stakeholders about what could be done to celebrate Liverpool holding the Eurovision Song Contest in May.
The 50-year-old, from Walton, made the joke in reference to the Abercromby Square sign, which is placed at the heart of the university campus.
And with the help of students and fellow university staff at the School of Architecture an unofficial new street sign of ABBA-Cromby Square has been made.
READ NEXT: Fans devastated as Netflix axes one of its most popular shows after five seasons
Stuey, who is the Technical Services Coordinator at the University of Liverpool’s School of Art said: “ABBA-Cromby was jokingly raised but I turned that into a reality. I think it looks like a pretty realistic sign - some people have taken it seriously and have moaned that you’re not allowed to rename the sign without the council's permission!”
Swedish band ABBA famously won Eurovision in 1974, which was held in Brighton.
Stuey said he was delighted to honour the competition this year. He said: “At the university, we’ve said we’re proud because we’re hosting it on behalf of Ukraine. Liverpool will have the eyes of the world on it, and our creative team have done a little bit for it.”
Stuey is no stranger to such challenges. The Architectural Modelling Team regularly utilise 3D printing and laser cutters to make models such as miniature buildings and Christmas decorations for food banks.
Stuey and Workshop Coordinator Steve Bretland manage the group alongside other team members; Matt Howarth, Adam Yenson, James Galliford, Gage Egan, Tom Eddy, Jamie Hall and Jack Rimmer.
He said: “I’ve worked at the university for 18 years now and I started as a model making technician, bringing the drawings of architecture students to life.
He added: “Now, me and my colleague Steve manage the model marking team. and during the year, we try to make models relevant to different events throughout the year.
“Our students are really talented, but sometimes we can get other people involved to build some really special things.”
The ABBA-Cromby Square street sign will be officially unveiled on April 17, as part of the University of Liverpool’s Eurovision launch. A University of Liverpool Spokesperson said: “We’re really looking forward to Liverpool hosting Eurovision 2023 and the Architectural Modelling Team in our School of the Arts are understandably excited about our plans to officially launch ABBA-cromby Square in a few weeks’ time as part of our Eurovision-related activities on campus.
“Eurovision presents a unique opportunity for our students and staff, and between now and mid-May we’ll be staging a series of musical performances, street art and public events which contribute to the city’s celebration of music and culture. Keep an eye on our social media @livuninews for further updates.”
The countdown has officially started. Join our Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Facebook group
Discover, learn, grow. We are Curiously. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
READ NEXT:
