The news last month that Manchester was out of the running to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 came as a huge blow to Mancunians and those involved with the city's bid. To quote city council leader Bev Craig, it was set to be "the most iconic party the UK has ever seen" if those in charge had decided to bring the contest to Manchester.
However the party is back on after Liverpool, just a short trip along the M62, was yesterday evening (Friday October 7) chosen as the host city for the world's biggest live music event. When Graham Norton, who hosts the BBC Eurovision coverage, announced on The One Show that Liverpool will welcome the event next May, there were smiles 35 miles away as Manchester was also celebrating, with parties being planned and the city's bars, restaurants and hotels in a perfect position to 'Boom Bang-a-Bang' for returning and new tourists.
Sacha Lord, the night time economy advisor for Greater Manchester and co-founder of Manchester's Parklife festival, is one of those who sees the positives out of nearby Liverpool being selected.
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"Liverpool deserved to win. The whole campaign was head and shoulders above anyone else. Huge congratulations to our neighbours," he said.
"With the close proximity, their win will undoubtedly help Greater Manchester's economy too, not just as an overspill for hotel rooms, but Liverpool will reach out to suppliers and freelancers from all over the North West. Ultimately, the biggest win though, is we are now seeing other major cities as an option to the obvious London default."
He added: "I’ve never understood why major events look to London first. As an event organiser, its far more expensive to put on, and for a consumer, it's far too expensive to attend when you look at the prices of hotels and trains (if you can even get one these days).
"That's why I was delighted that the UK Festival Awards decided to uproot out of London, for the first time in 17 years and chose Manchester for this years awards. Again, huge congrats to Liverpool and the whole team that put the bid together."
Manchester's city centre chief, Pat Karney, said: "Of course we preferred Manchester but Liverpool is our close neighbour in the north west. We expect lots visitors to come through Manchester’s International Airport and stay in our wide range of hotels. It will be a major economic boost for both cities. We cannot wait."
Are you pleased Liverpool have been announced as hosts? Have your say in our comments below.
Gaydio and BBC Radio Manchester presenter Jsky, who in June was selected to represent the UK in the north west leg of The Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022, says the contest coming to Manchester's neighbouring city will shine a spotlight on talent in the north.
"Manchester and Liverpool already have an incredibly rich history when it comes to the showcasing of musical talent," said singer Jsky, real name Jason Warner, from Bury.
"Liverpool hosting the Eurovision would add to that and put a spotlight back on the North. It would be an excellent opportunity to show the world the beauty of life in the North of the UK and to welcome the affluence of talent that comes with the grandiosity and spectacle of the Eurovision."
Entertainer Liam Halewood, from Liverpool, has performed on Canal Street and clubs across Manchester. He said: "I am so happy of course being from Liverpool that the Eurovision Song Contest is going to be held there, but I am also happy that it will be helping surrounding areas too.
"The Eurovision lead up lasts for weeks, and of course people who are die hard fans of the contest who plan their life around it, will be seeking out close by alternatives to staying in Liverpool."
Liam, a Boy George impersonator, added: "As we know the Eurovision Song Contest is hugely supported by the LGBTQIA+ community and with Manchester having one of the UKs best Gay Villages, I can only assume many supporters will choose Manchester a brilliant destination to spend their time while enjoying Eurovision journey to the final.
"So from my point view although the contest is staged in Liverpool, Manchester beware because I’m sure there will be many die hard fans on their way to you too. Plus I am sure Canal Street will hold many of their own parties for people who aren't lucky enough to get tickets."
Eurovision fans on Twitter also reacted to the news, with @RG_Bhaji tweeting: "If you can’t get a hotel in #Liverpool city centre for #Eurovision, you can still get easy access from the Wirral, St Helens, Southport, Manchester city centre. Even Lancaster, Blackpool and Preston are about an hour’s drive away. #Partytime."
@DanielRidsdale said: "To Eurovision Fans currently looking for prices for hotels in Liverpool I would advise staying in Manchester. It’s only an hour on the train and not £500 a night. #Eurovision." @MiSHsWilli tweeted: "Booked a hotel in Manchester in the end. Just over £230 for 3 people. Not paying those #Liverpool hotel prices."
@wickedly_leah commented: "I grew up watching #Eurovision and when Manchester was out of the running I cried and then remembered Liverpool is so close to us on a train and I had hope I could make my eight year old dream a reality and yk maybe I can!!"
@JonConnorLyons said: "Congratulations #Liverpool! A great North West city and I look forward to visiting for Eurovision! A city of culture, heritage and talent, well done! Also look forward to the many Manchester party's happening in our own city!"
The UK is hosting Eurovision next year on behalf of Ukraine after it finished second in this year's contest with artist Sam Ryder. Ukraine won the event this year and should have been welcoming the world to Kiev in 2023 but sadly this was deemed not possible because of the Russian invasion.
In mid-August, it was announced seven cities - Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield - could host Eurovision in 2023 in place of Ukraine. Kalush Orchestra, Ukrainian's entry, triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy.
At the core of Liverpool winning its bid, there will be a major programme of artist exchange and co-production between Ukrainian and Liverpool-based artists. Working specifically with its sister city Odesa and their creative community, Liverpool's bid aims to 'deliver an extraordinary celebration of Ukrainian culture' that will shine a spotlight on the country and also create a major community outreach programme across the city.
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