Liverpool to host Eurovision 2023

Liverpool has been chosen as the host city of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after a close race with Glasgow in the bidding process to host the event, but the date of the EBU music show has also been announced.

Liverpool 2023

The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place in the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey on Saturday 13 May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May.

The BBC, together with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will organise the Contest in consultation with UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster and last year’s winners of the Contest.

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.

Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl welcomed the news:

“Liverpool is the ideal place to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest 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. 

This will be the first Eurovision Song Contest 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 Director General, 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.”

Unique logo for Liverpool 2023

To coincide with the announcement of the Host City, the EBU has released the official logo for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, which contains the Ukrainian flag within the heart. The logo design reflects that although the competition will be held in the UK, it will be done on behalf of Ukraine, the winners of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster 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.”

On the road from Turin to Liverpool – After a Ukrainian victory, a British contest? Yes!

The Ukrainian host is not expected to be available in 2023, which is why the UK has been chosen to host next year’s continental tournament. But how was Liverpool chosen? More details on the next page…

Illustration: Liverpool is the host city of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, with Ukraine on the contest symbol after their 2022 win – photo by Visit Liverpool on Eurovision.tv graphics
Source: Eurovision.tv / OurVision International