Stars and leading figures of Merseyside are backing the bid for Eurovision to come to Liverpool in 2023.
The city is down to the final two in the race to host the show next year. It is currently contending with Glasgow and a decision is expected to be made in the coming days.
This year's contest was won by the Ukrainian entrants Kalush Orchestra. However the winning country is unable to host next year's event because of the Russian invasion.
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Now, celebs and leading figures from Liverpool and the rest of the Merseyside have come forward with reasons why Liverpool should be the hosts. Holly Johnson, lead singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, said Liverpool is a "wonderful city".
He said "As part of the bid for Liverpool to host the Eurovision song contest 2023. I would like to remind you all that I grew up in a house that had Beatles wallpaper.
"It was the centre of the Magical Mystery tour. I lived round the corner from Penny Lane and what other city can you visit where you land at John Lennon Airport. It has an amazing heritage for the arts.
"Music in the 60s with the Merseybeat, Gerry Marsden, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Beatles. Many other acts, including Cilla Black came from the city."
Holly added: "It is a really wonderful city now. I would like to just to mention it had a whole wall of number one singles that came from the city in Mathew Street of which I appear on four of them; Relax, Two Tribes, The Power of Love and Ferry Across the Mersey, another number one song which came out of Liverpool.
"All the very best. Liverpool for Eurovision or Eurovision for Liverpool. Thank you."
Actress, singer and TV personality Claire Sweeney said the city is full of culture and musical heritage. She said: "I am saying Liverpool should get the Eurovision song contest next year because it is the most fantastic city, so much to do there. There's history and culture.
"There are museums, there is the Tate, there is the Albert Dock. The best nightclubs ever, the best restaurants ever and the most beautiful women as well. I just think this is a city that is steeped in musical history as well.
"You go back to the 60s and The Beatles and there are so many famous singers and so much famous music coming out of Liverpool as well. I just think there is something there for everyone and it is one of the best city's in the world.
"I love Liverpool and I think Liverpool should get the Eurovision."
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said the city is the "perfect" place to host and people from around the country will be able to get there. She said: "Liverpool has the perfect facilities for Eurovision. We can accommodate all needs. Not just that we are a party city, we love a party atmosphere.
"We are in the centre of the country and everybody can get to us. We are a small compact city and it will be a sustainable event because everyone will be able to walk to and from the event and around the city.
"We will do our utmost and very best to make sure Ukrainian culture is weaved throughout everything we do for Eurovision. Eurovision is for the whole country and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to attend Eurovision."
Radio presenter Pete Price said: "This would be the icing on the cake for our great city. I've watched Liverpool grow and grow. I travel the world and I'm so proud of our reputation.
"No one puts an event on like us. The warmth of the people is the bonus for visitors. So we must win this bid at all costs to remind the world how fantastic we are. Come on Liverpool."
Former LFC defender and now football pundit Jamie Carragher said Liverpool will hold the "biggest party" if the city was to host. He said: "This would be another proud moment in our city's history and I can absolutely assure you, Liverpool will hold the biggest party you will have ever seen and I will part of it."
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram added: "It has to be Liverpool, music wouldn't be music without Liverpool. Liverpool wouldn't be Liverpool without music. We are the best arena for something of the magnitude of Eurovision, it has to come to Liverpool.
"Liverpool is a music city and it is in our DNA. If you want to come for a party, Liverpool can put a party on."
Liverpool Council cabinet member for Culture, Harry Doyle said: "Eurovision is an event made for Liverpool. We love music, we love events and we love Ukraine.
"We have the arena and convention centre, hotel capacity, a well-connected airport and we know how to throw a party. We are England’s only UNESCO City of Music and we’re not shy in showing off our credentials.
"We’re also the only competitive city to be twinned with a Ukrainian city, the city of Odesa. This is our chance to show the world what it means to have this connection. It can’t just be ceremonial in times of need.
"Eurovision 2023 has got to be special. Never before has it meant so much for a country to host this huge event - It may not be taking place on Ukrainian soverign soil, but it’ll have the heart and soul of Ukraine at the centre, and no other city has a heart as big as Liverpool - We’ve got plenty to spare."
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