Eurovision 2023: Hotspots

Eurovision 2023

This year, the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Liverpool. It’s a significant event that will never happen in the city again. Why? As traditionally the winning Eurovision country hosts the event the following year. Last year, Ukraine won. But, due to the ongoing war, it could not host. The UK finished second and Liverpool secured the bid to host this year’s contest.

In future years, if the UK were to win Eurovision the capital city would most likely be the host location. Making 2023 and Liverpool a hugely significant event.

Right now, Eurovision has taken over Liverpool and there are themed events taking place across the city. For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience everything this magnificent event brings.

So, here is our guide to what you can see and do!

United by Music

The theme of this year’s Eurovision is United By Music. Demonstrating a partnership between host city Liverpool, Ukraine and the UK to bring communities together by the power of music.

Key Dates

There are lots of events and activities taking place this Eurovision, but here are the dates when Eurovision officially begins.

• Sunday 7^th May- Turquoise Carpet Opening Ceremony
• Tuesday 9^th May- First Semi-Final
• Thursday 11^th May- Second Semi-Final
• Saturday 13^th May- Grand Final

Eurovision events

If you were not one of the lucky ones to get your hands on tickets to attend, there are plenty of festivities happening across host city Liverpool for you to enjoy.

7^th May -National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome, St. George’s Hall

If you have tickets for this, you won’t be disappointed. Look out for Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, Atomic Kitten, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Zara Larsson and more. Tickets are now sold out but catch highlights on BBC iPlayer, hosted by Rylan and Liverpool actress Sunetra Sarker.

5^th-13^th May- Eurovision Village, Pier Head

A dedicated fan zone for fans and locals to soak up the celebratory atmosphere of the Eurovision Song Contest. Head over to enjoy a mix of one-off shows, live performances, DJs and special guests including Royalty Ball by House of Suarez, Jake Shears, Eurovision winners, All events over the two weeks are free apart from the final party.

13^th May- The Grand Final Party, Pier Head

Sadly, tickets for the Grand Final celebrations have now sold out and with a huge line up of pop acts and special performances it is easy to see why. Line up includes Katrina, The Vengaboys, Jedward and many more.

 8^th-13^th– Euro Camp, Liverpool One

A free, 3-day festival taking place in Chavasse Park, Liverpool One. Expect drag, performances, carnival, circus and more.

1^st-14^th May- Euro Festival

If you are local or visiting Liverpool during Eurovision and are a fan of art and culture too, then Euro Festival is a must. The festival will present 24 commissions including collaborations from UK & Ukrainian artists. For full details, check out Visit Liverpool.

Eurovision to dos!

Here are extra things to do in Liverpool to soak up the Eurovision festivities.

• Festival Masterclasses- Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, Liverpool One
• Cocktail classes- TGI Fridays, Liverpool One
• Visit the Ukrainian Songbirds, Liver Buildings
• Take a selfie by the floating Earth, Albert Dock
• Visit the Peace & Love Mural, Guild Walk

Eurovision Pop-Up Store, Liverpool One

Open from 1^st-14^th May, Majesty Lane in Liverpool One will be the home of official Eurovision merchandise including hoodies, mugs, caps and more.

Live Screenings (UK)

If you are not able to travel to Liverpool for an official screening, Eurovision will be screened in: Odeon, Cineworld, Vue and Everyman so get your tickets while you can! You can also check your residences to see if you have live streams of the events.

Celebrating Eurovision in your uni city? Share your festivities with us @downing_students You can stay posted with all of the latest activity on our socials @downing_students