Liverpool has won its bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
The event will be staged at the M&S Bank Arena, which has a capacity of 11,000 and is situated near city centre hotels and rail links.
Back in August, it was announced that seven places had been shortlisted as possible host cities: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield.
Following a detailed assessment process the seven cities were reduced to two – Liverpool and Glasgow.
The result was announced live on BBC One by Graham Norton this evening (7th October) during The One Show.
The UK agreed to take on hosting responsibilities on behalf of Ukraine after organisers felt it was unsafe to hold the annual competition there next year due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of the country.
Liverpool’s bid was backed by Cheshire West and Chester Council whose leader Louise Gittins said: “We know that Liverpudlians will rise to this challenge with enthusiasm and commitment.
“People across Cheshire are also cheering you on and looking forward to participating in an amazing event.”
Celebrating the result, Liverpool mayor Joanne Anderson said: “We did it!
“Liverpool is honoured to be hosting Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine.
“Huge well done to the bid team and thanks to everyone who has supported us – now begins the work on organising the party.”
She added: “Liverpool is a city that’s made for Eurovision.
“Our people, businesses and communities are ready to embrace the fantastic chaos of this European spectacle.”
Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Music’s coming home!
”Music wouldn’t be music without Liverpool – and now the biggest music contest in the world is coming to our region!
“Now the real work begins as we pull out all the stops for a Eurovision contest to make Ukraine proud.”
