Liverpool has been chosen as the Host City of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), following a competitive bidding process.
The 2023 event will take place on Tuesday, May 9, Thursday, May 11 and Saturday, May 13 following Kalush Orchestra’s victory for Ukraine in Turin earlier this year after it was concluded that the event could not be held in the winning country for safety and security reasons.
The BBC, together with the EBU, will organize the event next year in consultation with UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster.
Liverpool was chosen following a strong city bid process that examined facilities at the venue, the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists, infrastructure, and the cultural offer of the Host City in reflecting Ukraine’s win in 2022, amongst other criteria.
A shortlist of seven cities which included Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, and Newcastle, was announced in August before being narrowed down to two in September.
Glasgow and Liverpool were then left in the race to host the world’s largest live music event, which reached over 175 million viewers on TV and online in 2022.
Commenting on the choice, ESC executive supervisor Martin Österdahl said: “Liverpool is the ideal place to host the 67th ESC on behalf of Ukraine.
“The city is synonymous with music and Liverpool Arena exceeds all the requirements needed to stage a global event of this scale. We have been very impressed with the passion the city has shown in embracing the contest and their inclusive ideas for placing last year’s winners, Ukraine, front and centre when thousands of fans visit next May”.
EBU DG Noel Curran added: “This will be the first ESC to be held in the UK in 25 years and, as we work with our host broadcaster, the BBC to celebrate Ukraine’s victory, this unique production promises to be a very special one indeed”.
The BBC’s DG, Tim Davie, said: “Congratulations to Liverpool. They will be an amazing host for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool is such an exciting, warm and vibrant city. It’s the undisputed capital of pop music and is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its twinning with the Ukrainian city of Odesa. I know the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe – and the rest of the world – with open arms, and in partnership we will create something truly special”.
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC said: “It is symbolic that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool, a twin city of Odesa. The organisation of a contest of this level sets super demanding requirements. I am confident that the city recognised as the capital of pop music will meet them in the best way and will deliver the celebration of music that will amaze both delegations and fans of Eurovision”.
