Liverpool is set for a lasting economic boom after hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.
Last night was the Eurovision Insignia Handover, which saw the keys of the contest arrive in Liverpool along with the semi-final allocation draw. Every year a representative from the previous host nations makes the journey to the next to physically hand over the keys.
The ceremony took place in Liverpool's St George's Hall where the Mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, personally saw to this year's exchange which was welcomed by Liverpool's mayor, Joanne Anderson.
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Before the event took place, Mayor Lo Russo explained to the Liverpool Echo the contest's impact on Turin from the moment it arrived to a year later. He said: "It's an amazing experience. We had a lot of good vibes during our organisation and I think it will also be a very good experience for Liverpool.
"The impact was huge not only with the international reputation of the city but tourists coming from abroad so it's a very important event." Mayor Anderson admitted she was overwhelmed by the support and that she didn't realise how much weight the contest carries.
She said: "I didn't realise just how big Eurovision was. A lot of people think of it as just a contest but the whole city has a programme of activity leading up to the event and that's not without the economic impact.
"The Mayor of Turin has mentioned the economic impact and it's fantastic. It's definitely music to my ears."
As the broadcast aired, both stepped on stage to officially hand over the keys to the contest. Offering Mayor Anderson some lasting words of advice, Mayor Lo Russo said: "Enjoy the event, include everybody, engage the whole city, and be proud for such an incredible international stage for you, for Ukraine and for peace."
Mayor Anderson thanked him for his kind words as she added: "For me, it started on Sunday when we met and you talked about all the wonderful impact that Eurovision has had on your city.
"I’m really proud to be able to host Eurovision for Liverpool but especially proud to do it on behalf of Ukraine."
The United Kingdom's Secretary of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Michelle Donelan, was also in attendance. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, she said: "It is a collaborative investment from both Liverpool and the Government, but also from the BBC.
"We’ve got to remember how much these events generate. If we look back at Stockholm, for instance, that generates £10m to £28m into the city, so this is going to be a real boost to the local economy for tourism."
In a surprise video message, the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, also said: "I wish that Eurovision in Liverpool, the legendary city of music, will be remembered as a great musical and cultural event. We’ll be watching and cheering."
He added: "I believe that the next Eurovision will be held in Ukraine."
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