Liverpool will make a "serious case" for hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest after it was revealed the event could be held in the UK.
The BBC is in talks with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to potentially host next year's contest in the UK after it was decided that it would not be safe to hold the event in Ukraine because of Russia's ongoing invasion of the country.
Ukraine rap-folk band Kalush Orchestra scored an emotional victory in this year's contest in Turin, Italy, with UK entrant Sam Ryder coming in second place, having topped the jury vote. It was the UK's best result since 1998.
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The winning country is usually asked to host the following year's event, but the EBU said today it had carried out a study with Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC and external specialists, amid the conflict, confirming that the "security and operational guarantees" required to host the event cannot be fulfilled in the war-torn country.
The statement added: "As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year's runner-up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom."
While there is great sadness that Ukraine will not be able to play host next year, the prospect of the contest coming to the UK is already causing great excitement. Potential host cities will be starting to think about their own bids and it seems likely Liverpool will be one of them.
On Twitter today, Liverpool Council's cabinet member for culture, Harry Doyle said: "This is bittersweet. Ukraine as a sovereign nation should have had the opportunity to host this. I will be making a serious case for Liverpool to host Eurovision. Our city would transform into Ukraine for the event and be a beacon of hope."
His calls were backed by Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, who said: "We send our love and solidarity as always to the people of Ukraine. Our city would love to do you proud and give your beautiful country the Eurovision platform it deserves."
Liverpool Council has now approached the event's organisers and the city is preparing to draw up plans which would look at options for venues and the opportunity to reflect Ukraine’s culture in a schools and communities programme.
The council will point out the pivotal role it played in the post-Covid re-emergence of the live music industry, staging the world’s first music concert and nightclub event in a trial to understand how venues and events could operate safely as the pandemic regulations eased.
Mayor Anderson, 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.
“We are an events city and no one can stage a party like us. Culture is synonymous with Liverpool and we tick all the boxes to be next year’s host – great venues, enviable experience, a world-renowned music heritage, UNESCO City of Music status and of course the warm Scouse welcome that just can’t be beaten.
Director of Culture Liverpool, Claire McColgan CBE, said: “The joy, colour and exuberance of Eurovision is intrinsically Liverpool. It's a perfect match. This city knows how to stage an event, and more importantly how to stage it appropriately given the circumstances in which it has come to the UK. Liverpool is committed to doing all it can to mark, honour and promote Ukraine during the event and in doing so, ensure the global platform is used to celebrate national identity, creativity and extraordinary resolve.”
“The event would become a beacon of hope around the world and we hope that Liverpool as an unrivalled music brand is given serious consideration by the decision-makers.”
Assistant Mayor Paul Brant said he thought 'Liverpool was the obvious choice', while city centre councillor Nick Small added: "I can think of no better host city than Liverpool, other than Kyiv."
Other support for the idea came from Lib Dem councillor Kris Brown, who said the Pier Head area would be ideal to host the 'event village.' Meanwhile Liam Kelly, CEO of Make Liverpool said: "An event that’s made for our city." Journalist and broadcaster Benjamin Butterworth agreed, adding: "For what’s it’s worth, I’d love to see Eurovision in Liverpool. A beautiful city with a magical musical history."
Responding to today's announcement from the EBU, a BBC spokesman added: "We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly these aren't a set of circumstances that anyone would want. Following their decision, we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest."
