The Eurovision Song Contest is returning to the United Kingdom, with Liverpool confirmed as the host city and specific dates set for the event. After weeks of anticipation, the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union announced that Liverpool will stage the competition on May 9, 11, and 13, 2023, marking a shift away from Glasgow as the chosen host city and signaling a refreshed approach to the regional celebrations surrounding the festival.
The venue chosen for this grand music spectacle is the Liverpool Arena, a modern arena with a capacity near 11,000. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool will pair its musical heritage with the international flavor of Eurovision. The event will also feature a visual emphasis on Ukraine, reflecting the flag’s prominence in the competition’s branding and in the broader story of the contest this year. The collaboration between the BBC and EBU aims to deliver a seamless festival experience while honoring the Ukrainian connection that has defined the recent editions of Eurovision.
Liverpool’s role as host follows a period of deliberation and a carefully managed selection process. After reviews and assurances about operational and security arrangements amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the decision was made to proceed with hosting in the British city. The process involved several weeks of open discussions and assessments, culminating in a formal agreement between the EBU and the UK authorities to move forward with Liverpool as the host city.
In the broader field, more than twenty British cities entered the shortlist to host the European event. Cities like Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield engaged in the competitive process led by the BBC and the EBU. Ultimately, Liverpool emerged as the preferred venue, adding a new chapter to the country’s Eurovision history and aligning with the festival’s aim of showcasing diverse British locales on a continent-wide stage.
As the event unfolds, the preparations reflect a blend of tradition and contemporary presentation. The Kalush Orchestra’s victory last year in Ukraine continues to influence the design and narrative of the competition, with Ukrainian elements woven into the staging and thematic storytelling. The Turin edition last May served as a reminder of the contest’s ability to bring together different cultures through music, performance, and shared celebration. Historical notes show that the UK has hosted Eurovision multiple times, with venues across London, Edinburgh, Brighton, Harrogate, and Birmingham contributing to the tapestry of the contest’s history.
Even though the event is staged within the United Kingdom, the format retains its international character. The semi-final and grand final are expected to highlight a mix of performances that honor Ukrainian contributions while maintaining the traditional Eurovision structure. Alongside the core participants, every year brings a fresh lineup and dynamic performances. The nations contributing most economically to the event—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—continue to play a central role in ensuring a robust and wide-reaching broadcast that resonates with audiences across Europe and beyond. The festival is anticipated to bring together 26 participating countries for a grand finale on a Saturday, continuing Eurovision’s long-standing tradition of musical collaboration and festive celebration across borders.