There’s “no better place for Eurovision than Liverpool” according to an Assistant Mayor as the city prepares to submit its full bid.
Cllr Harry Doyle, cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, said Liverpool would be submitting its formal application to host the song contest next year by September 8th after reaching the shortlist of UK cities to stage Eurovision earlier this month. Cllr Doyle told a meeting of the culture and visitor economy select committee that Liverpool had reached out to partners in Ukraine as it seeks to host the popular continental music event in 2023.
Liverpool is joined on the city shortlist by Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield after the UK confirmed it would host the show after victors Ukraine indicated they were unable to do so, owing to the ongoing Russian invasion. Cllr Doyle said: “Eurovision was a very positive step forward for us when we were shortlisted. Fingers crossed, things look really good for the city.
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“It is a partnership work for us, we’re working with partners across the region including the Mayor of the city region, and the leaders of the other boroughs. We’ve reached out to our partners in Ukraine as well.”
The BBC is now going through the process of analysing the prospects of each potential host city, with the broadcaster expected to visit Liverpool ahead of a decision being made by October. Cllr Doyle added: “I think there’s no better place for Eurovision than Liverpool, and with the next steps, there’s a full process we are now following, with a bid that’s been put together which has to be submitted by September 8.
“There’ll also be a visit by the BBC to come and see our city and show them what we’ve got to offer. I think the fact we’ve got through the first stage shows that we can pull off a big event like this in our city.
“We should find out, what we’re being told is Autumn, around the end of September, beginning of October.” Cllr Carole Storey, said loyalties were divided on Eurovision in her household.
She said: “What a wonderful thing that would be for our city, it would be absolutely fantastic. I must say I’m not a fan of Eurovision myself, but my husband absolutely loves it, so I have to put up with it.
“It would be fantastic for the city.” Responding to a question on the impact on the city's transport network from Cllr Anna Rothery, Angie Redhead, head of assets for Liverpool Council, said conversations were taking place with Merseytravel and John Lennon Airport, as well as discussions around security and policing.
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