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Liverpool Echo

National

Christopher Megrath

Liverpool branded 'beacon of light' by BBC Eurovision director

Martin Green Eurovision Eurovision 2023

BBC Eurovision’s managing director, Martin Green, branded The Liverpool Eurovision spirit and community as "sensational."

Martin oversaw the production of this year’s contest, playing a key role in next to everything that we have seen unfold over the last few months. Martin told the Liverpool Echo he refused to begin working until clear, unified ties with Ukraine were made as he wanted them to have a direct role in the contest given we are hosting on their behalf.

Martin admitted he was proud of everything the team managed to pull together but made specific praise to Liverpool for holding such a spectacular celebration.

READ MORE: Ultimate guide to everything happening during Eurovision 2023

He said: "It's sensational. The combined authority played their part too about helping the delegations and all our international friends arrive and depart. Everyone just came together and we knew we didn't have much time so we all said, 'Right, everybody concentrate on your individual bit of the jigsaw puzzle and we'll bring this together.'

"Everyone's just been brilliant. It's been a happy, happy show." The Liverpool contest has gone above and beyond when it comes to events and celebrations highlighting Ukraine which hasn't gone unnoticed.

Martin added: "It all comes back to the same thing. In the darkest of times, it's creativity, it's music, it's dance that brings us together and shows us that we have more in common with each other than we think. I really hope this arena in Liverpool is just a great big beacon of light to the world. A great big bundle of joy."

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