The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) have announced that Liverpool has been selected as the host city for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after a competitive bidding process. The Beatles’ hometown will represent Ukraine at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. The 2023 event will take place on Tuesday 9 May, Thursday 11 and Saturday 13.
The 2023 competition will be held in the UK after the Kalush Orchestra represented Ukraine in a victory in Turin in May after it was concluded that the event could not take place in the winning country for safety reasons.
Europe 2023televisionThe Singing Contest final will be held at the Liverpool Arena on the River Mersey on Saturday 13 May, with the semi-finals on 9 and 11 May.
The BBC, together with the European Broadcasting Union, is organizing next year’s event in consultation with Ukrainian public broadcaster UA: PBC.
Liverpool were selected in a robust city bidding process which looked at venue facilities, capacity to host thousands of visiting delegations, staff, fans and journalists, infrastructure and a host city reflecting the victory of the ‘Ukraine in 2022, cultural products and other standards. The shortlist from seven cities, including Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle, was announced in August before shrinking to two in September. Glasgow and Liverpool were subsequently banned from the race to host the largest live music event in the world, which will reach over 175 million viewers on TV and online in 2022.
“Ideal place”
Martin Österdahl, Executive Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, welcomed the choice: “Liverpool is the ideal venue to represent Ukraine at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest”.
“The city is synonymous with music and the Liverpool Arena exceeds all requirements to host a global event of this magnitude. The passion we have shown in the city in embracing the game and their arrival in May next year by thousands of fans Impressed by the inclusive idea of putting last year’s Ukrainian champion at the center of the visit. “
Noel Curran, Director General of the European Broadcasting Union, added: “This will be the first Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the UK in 25 years and as we celebrate Ukraine’s victory in partnership with the BBC broadcaster, this unique program it really promises to be a very special program. “
This was stated by BBC director general Tim David. “Congratulations to Liverpool. They will be an exceptional host for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Liverpool is an exciting, passionate and dynamic city. It is the undisputed capital of pop and is celebrating a partnership with the Ukrainian city of the 65th anniversary of its sister city. Odessa. I know that the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe – and the rest of the world – with open arms and, by working together, we will create something truly special. “
unique logo
Parallel to the announcement of the host city, the European Broadcasting Union released the official logo of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, which features the Ukrainian flag inside the heart. The logo design reflects that while the competition will be held in the UK, it will be played on behalf of Ukraine, the winner of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Symbolic choice”
UA: Mykola Chernotytskyi, director of the PBC board of directors. “It is symbolic that the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be held in Liverpool, which is the twin city of Odessa. Organizing a competition of this level is very challenging. I believe this is recognized as a popular one. The capital will fulfill these demands in the best way possible. possible and will provide a musical celebration that will surprise both Eurovision delegations and fans. “
The UK will host the Eurovision Song Contest for a record ninth time, having previously hosted the competition for other broadcasters in London in 1960 and 1963, Edinburgh in 1972 and Brighton in 1974. The BBC also hosted the competition after winning 4 times of 5: in London in 1968 and 1977, in Harrogate in 1982 and in Birmingham in 1998.
Tickets for the nine shows are expected to go on sale in due course, including rehearsals.
Further details on the show and supporting events will be announced in the coming weeks and months. For more details, visit eurovision.tv and follow the official Eurovision Song Contest Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook channels.
