Liverpool to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023: How did locals react?

The Eurovision spotlight is set to shine on Liverpool after it was announced the city will host the world-famous competition in 2023 on behalf of the UK.

The city, which began preparing its bid in June, received praise for its world-class facilities, including the M&S Bank Arena and ACC Liverpool, the innovation behind its cultural programme, the plans to celebrate Ukrainian people and community and the 'walkability' of the city.

“It’s amazing!”

Rose said, "It's amazing! It's fantastic, I think it's just the place it should be happening."

“I think it’ll be good for the city”

Raymond said, "I think it'll be good for the city when it comes."

“It’ll put the city in a good light.”

Bernie said, "I think it will be beneficial for the city. It'll put the city in a good light."

Liverpool's unrivalled reputation for staging large-scale cultural events played a crucial part in the decision-making process, as did its relationship with its sister city Odesa.

The city region-wide support for Liverpool's bid also proved to be a hit with the judges. The 'Team Liverpool' approach was noted as residents, visitors, organisations, and community groups across the city got behind the bid.

John Hughes from Liverpool Pubwatch said, "It is something positive, but what we also need to focus on now is getting through to the 13th of May because a lot of friends of mine are really struggling at the moment. So, we've got to keep our fingers crossed."

“I’m hoping that when it does roll into town, it’s local jobs for local people”

He continued, "I'm hoping that when it does roll into town, it's local jobs for local people. A focus that I'm not happy with at the minute is that we've got the likes of Uber drivers coming in from different parts of the country to drive, and obviously that money doesn't stay in the city.”

Liverpool's Eurovision team will now start to put their plans into action, which includes working with Ukrainian street artists and fashion designers, creating a community education programme and developing plans to host a special culture trail featuring Eurovision and scouse legend Sonia.