The next Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom has its stage set and dates confirmed. After weeks of anticipation, the British BBC and the European Broadcasting Union announced Liverpool as the host city. The event is scheduled for May 9, 11 and 13, 2023, with Glasgow stepping back in the selection process as a favorite that could not advance to the final rounds.
The venue is the Echo Arena in Liverpool, a hub with a seating capacity approaching 11,000. Known for its musical heritage as the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool is paired with a sister city relationship to a distant metropolis as a symbol of unity. The main logo of the contest will feature a Ukrainian focus, reflecting the ongoing solidarity and the significance of Ukraine in this edition.
Liverpool’s selection as the host city came after a period of deliberation. The BBC led the bidding process in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union, responding to security and operational considerations tied to the war in Ukraine. Several weeks of discussion allowed the organizers to settle on a hosting arrangement that would ensure a smooth production while honoring the commitments of all parties involved.
More than twenty British cities initially entered the running to host Eurovision, with Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield among the contenders. Each city submitted its case, highlighting venues, transport infrastructure, and the ability to showcase the event on a global stage. In the end, Liverpool emerged as the chosen metropolis, bringing together a rich cultural scene and a long history of music and fan engagement that aligns well with Eurovision’s spirit.
Under the plan, Liverpool will stage the semi-finals and grand final with a blend of Ukrainian themes and a nod to the victorious Kalush Orchestra from the Turin edition. The contest in Italy last May left a lasting impression, and the UK’s hosting marks a continuation of those threads. In the lineage of UK-hosted contests, London has hosted several times in the early years, with other cities such as Edinburgh, Brighton, Harrogate and Birmingham hosting in various decades. This edition adds a new chapter to that history, emphasizing inclusivity, cultural exchange, and the shared excitement of fans across Europe and beyond.
Even though the event takes place in the United Kingdom, the format remains inclusive. The semi-finals and final bring together performers from many nations, with Ukraine automatically qualifying for the grand final along with the Big Five nations that contribute most economically to Eurovision: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The result is a 26-country showcase that gathers music lovers from all corners of the continent for a night of competition, solidarity, and celebration of the performing arts.