Liverpool vows to host best Eurovision for Ukraine

Graham Norton announces Liverpool as the host of Eurovision 2023

Organisers of next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool say they want to put on "the best show for Ukraine".

Ukraine's entrant Kalush Orchestra won May's contest, however the event will not be staged in the country due to the Russian invasion.

It will be held instead in Liverpool following the UK's selection as hosts after coming second with Sam Ryder.

Claire McColgan, director of Culture Liverpool, said the city would reflect "what Ukraine and its people deserve".

"We're just hosting it, it's their party," she told BBC Radio 4 Today.

Liverpool's famous waterfront will play a key part during Eurovision broadcasts

visitors at Liverpool's waterfront — Liverpool's famous waterfront will play a key part during Eurovision broadcasts

The decision to host the event in Liverpool was announced during the BBC's One Show on Friday. The city beat off competition from bookmakers' favourite Glasgow and nearly 20 other cities in the UK.

Ms McColgan said: "This is a very different Eurovision, which is why were we're so excited and keen to do this, because we know we can do the best show for Ukraine because that's who this is for."

She added organisers would use "intel and insight" from Liverpool's twin city Odessa to celebrate the country's culture during the broadcasts and cultural programmes.

"Let's be honest, it's Liverpool - every bar, every restaurant, ever corner of the city will be celebrating Ukraine and celebrating Eurovision. It's not a city that does things quietly, is it?"

Ms McColgan said that "with everything horrendous that's going on in this world, to bring that moment of togetherness in this city with our Ukrainian partners, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be than here".

Liverpool's statues will be decorated with traditional Ukrainian headdresses and local schools will link up with counterparts in the war-torn country, which was invaded by Russia in February.

Liverpool M&S Bank Arena will host the final on 13 May 2023

Liverpool M&S Bank Arena, venue for Eurovision Song Contest — Liverpool M&S Bank Arena will host the final on 13 May 2023

Kalush Orchestra, who will perform at the Liverpool event, said they were "sad" Ukraine would not host the contest, but that "playing in the same place that The Beatles started out will be a moment we'll never forget".

They added: "We know that the people of Liverpool will be warm hosts and the organisers will be able to add a real Ukrainian flavour to Eurovision 2023."

Taras Khomych, a priest in the city's Ukrainian community, said: "Under the circumstances, local Ukrainians found [the announcement] very comforting."

He said Eurovision could enable Ukrainian customs to become "more integrated" in the life of Liverpool and "develop our cultural clubs and choirs".

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Demand has soared for the city's accommodation during the events, which will be held in the week running up to the final on 13 May 2023, with the cheapest rooms available on the Booking.com website advertised for at least £600.

It is expected the wider north-west region will also see a boost, with previous contenders Manchester - about an hour's commute - accommodating visitors.