Eurovision 2023: First-look at Liverpool stage designed to resemble ‘wide hug’ as contest draws closer

Eurovision 2023 will take place in Liverpool in May - for those who can’t wait, here’s a sneak peak of the stage which has been designed to look like ‘a wide hug’.
Sophie Wills
By Sophie Wills
Published 2nd Feb 2023, 14:40 BST
Updated 2nd Feb 2023, 15:02 BST
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The BBC has released a first-look of the Eurovision stage at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena as the international singing contest gears up to hit the city in May. Julio Himede, the set designer for Liverpool 2023, said he had based its design on the principles of “togetherness, celebration and community”.

Liverpool was chosen as the host for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest last year, beating the likes of London, Manchester and Glasgow. The UK stepped in to host as Ukraine, last year’s winners with Kalush Orchestra’s ‘Stefania’, are unable to host due to the country’s ongoing war with Russia.

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The Eurovision keys also known as the “Insignia” were passed to Liverpool from last year’s host country Italy to the city’s mayor Joanne Anderson during the official Handover and Allocation Draw on Tuesday (January 31). In 2023, the UK and Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final.

Stage designer Julio Himede said the architecture takes inspiration from “a wide hug, opening its arms to Ukraine, the show’s performers and guests from across the world”. He added: “I focused on the cultural aspects and similarities between Ukraine, the UK and specifically Liverpool - from music, dance and art to architecture and poetry.”

Across more than 450 square metres of staging, the stunning set brings together another 220 square metres of independently moving and turning video screens, as well as over 700 video tiles integrated into the floor and more than 1500 metres of LED lights.

Mr Himede added: “It is our duty as designers to enhance the performances through a compelling visual landscape, while capturing the heart and soul of the Eurovision Song Contest.”

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As Eurovision draws closer, Mr Himede described the opportunity to design its set as “an honour”. “It’s a thrill to know that such a diverse group of talented musicians will be performing on my stage,” he went on.

Across more than 450 square metres of staging, the stunning Eurovision stage in Liverpool will bring together another 220 square metres of independently moving and turning video screens, as well as over 700 video tiles integrated into the floor and more than 1500 metres of LED lights. Pic: BBC. Across more than 450 square metres of staging, the stunning Eurovision stage in Liverpool will bring together another 220 square metres of independently moving and turning video screens, as well as over 700 video tiles integrated into the floor and more than 1500 metres of LED lights. Pic: BBC.
Across more than 450 square metres of staging, the stunning Eurovision stage in Liverpool will bring together another 220 square metres of independently moving and turning video screens, as well as over 700 video tiles integrated into the floor and more than 1500 metres of LED lights. Pic: BBC.

“I’ve had a long history of being a fan of the show as a young adult when I used to take notice of the impressive stage designs. I am excited to celebrate the future winner and to pass the reactive baton to the next country.”

The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 9, 11 and 13 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Related topics:EurovisionItalyCommunityUkraine