British Eurovision fans, media and prominent figures have been reacting to last night’s news that Liverpool will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.
Following BBC commentator and Eurovision figurehead Graham Norton’s announcement that the Merseyside city would play host to the contest on behalf of Ukraine, and ahead of shortlisted city Glasgow, many celebrities and fans have been giving their thoughts on the choice and what Liverpool can give to next year’s contest.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, and leader of the opposition Sir Kier Starmer, two of the most prominent politicians of the country, gave their congratulations to Liverpool upon receiving the news;
Huge congratulations to Liverpool for having been selected as the hosts of @bbceurovision 2023. A welcoming city with a proud musical heritage, Liverpool will put on an unforgettable show which celebrates the rich culture and creativity of Ukraine.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 7, 2022
Congratulations to Liverpool! An incredible city.
I have no doubt you’ll do Britain and Ukraine proud by putting on a show to remember. https://t.co/6HGX46QP9M
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 7, 2022
Leader of the Scottish National Party and First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, shared her disappointment at Glasgow not being chosen but wished Liverpool well with next year’s contest;
Congratulations, Liverpool. Gutted for Glasgow, but no doubt you’ll do @Eurovision and Ukraine proud 🇺🇦
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 7, 2022
It was a different sentiment from Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, who could not hide her joy at the news;
We did it!
Liverpool is honoured to be hosting #Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine.
Huge well done to the bid team and thanks to everyone who has supported us – now begins the work on organising the party.
#AllYouNeedIsLove@EBU_HQ @Eurovision @BBCTheOneShow @CultureLpool pic.twitter.com/4VNIxjMmS9— Joanne Anderson (@MayorLpool) October 7, 2022
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s commentators on the contest all gave their reactions, including a video from Rylan Clark-Neal showing his reaction to Graham Norton’s One Show announcement;
— R Y L A N (@Rylan) October 7, 2022
LIVERPOOL!
— Scott Mills (@scott_mills) October 7, 2022
Congratulations Liverpool!!! @Eurovision @bbceurovision See you in May!!!
— graham norton (@grahnort) October 7, 2022
…and former Eurovision participants for the UK also expressed their joy at Liverpool being chosen, including local legend Sonia (1993) and the last UK winner Katrina Leskanich;
Wow Liverpool is getting Eurovision 🥰 it's going to be brilliant to be a part of this fantastic festival of Music for our city. XXX
— Sonia (@SoniaevansSonia) October 7, 2022
Woohoo
Just heard (still on runway) congratulations LIVERPOOL 🥂🎉#Eurovision2023— Katrina from Katrina & The Waves (@KatrinasWeb) October 7, 2022
There has also been reaction from Ukraine, who won the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year but are sadly unable to take the honour of hosting next year’s contest due to Russia’s invasion of the country;
Finally! Liverpool will host @Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine 🇺🇦💙🇬🇧 https://t.co/Anfds52FnL
— Ukraine.ua (@ukraine_ua) October 7, 2022
Statement from Oleh Psyuk, frontman of Ukraine’s #Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra. pic.twitter.com/HY5dwFyjM8
— Mark Savage (@mrdiscopop) October 7, 2022
The mayor of Liverpool’s twin city Odesa with some amazing words after the #Eurovision2023 announcement pic.twitter.com/p9nW20ickE
— Liam Thorp (@LiamThorpECHO) October 7, 2022
Liverpool Arena, on the banks of the River Mersey and part of the iconic Liverpool skyline, will play host to the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, following Kalush Orchestra’s victory in 2022 and the United Kingdom’s Sam Ryder finishing runner-up in Turin. The semi-finals will take place on 9th and 11th May, with the final on May 13th 2023.
What do #YOU think of the decision for Liverpool to host Eurovision 2023? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
