By Codi Jaques
With The Eurovision Song Contest just around the corner, Liverpool is preparing for the countdown to this famous and historical event happening in the city and in some style. Events are taking place from May in all corners of Liverpool, from celebratory shindigs to watch along viewing parties, Liverpool has all you need to quench your thirst for UK’s ninth time hosting Eurovision.
EuroFestival (1 – 14 May)
Taking place from 1-14 May, EuroFestival, is a first for a Eurovision host city, as it presents 24 commissions – 19 of which are collaborative projects between UK and Ukrainian artists – to showcase the uniting power of music and art.
EuroFestival events include Welcome to Eurotopia which will launch the Eurovision village at Pier Head on 5th May. Artists performing include OMDs Andy McCluskey, Red Rum Club, Jane Weaver, She Drew the Guns, Lou Roach, Vocal harmony group, Mic Lowry, Mickey Callisto, PODGE, Kelly Shimeya, Dialect, Helleroid, Krapka;KOMA, Iryna Muha. Gates open from 4pm.
Elsewhere, The Blue and Yellow Submarine parade by the Kazmier is an outdoor underwater sea disco that will make its way through the city to celebrate the beginning of the Eurovision party. It is expected to have hundreds of performers, with design collaborations from UK and Ukrainian designers.
And, the Epic Rave UKraine will unite the cities of Liverpool and Kyiv for two simultaneous daytime raves. Performing in Liverpool are: Acclaimed UK synthpop band, Hot Chip (DJ set), eclectic and experimental Ukrainian DJ Mingulitka, pioneering DJ and legendary former Hacienda Club resident DJ Paulette, Founder of influential electronic collective UNKLE, DJ James Lavelle, DJ, producer, promoter & vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Jodie Harsh, BBC Radio 1’s Future Dance show presenter and DJ, Sarah Story and experimental Ukrainian DJ and producer, Human Margareeta.
Find out more about each of the 24 commissioned EuroFestival events here.
Eurovision Extravaganza At St George’s Hall (10- 13 May)
Taking place between 10-13th May, St George’s Hall will open its grand doors to Eurovision Fanatics/ general public to a multitude of different events during the intense wait between the semi final and final of Eurovision.
- From ‘World Capital of Pop’ to Eurovision: A Guided Tour- 10-13th May
- St George’s Hall Organ Recital: Eurovision Classics- 10th May
- Abba Tribute Night- 12th May
- Screenings of both Semi Final and Final of Eurovision. 11th and 13th May
For more information visit St George’s Hall website.
Late At Tate: The Spirit of Eurovision (4 May)
Join Tate Liverpool after hours in celebration of Liverpool’s hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of Ukraine. Enjoy an evening of free music, film and artist talks, inspired by the work of Ukrainian artists and culture. View the programme of events here.
Neurovision (5 May)
The Brain Charity is holding its own neurodiverse contribution to Liverpool’s Eurovision events calendar. Join them for Neurovision – a live music event putting neurodiversity on the musical map – on Friday, 5th May 2023 at 7pm at the Carnival Brewing taproom in Liverpool city centre.
Vinok Workshop at Sefton Park Palm House (10 May)
The vinok is a traditional Ukrainian flower crown. This type of floral wreath is originally worn by girls and unmarried women in Ukraine. Made of delicate flowers, herbs and colourful ribbons, the vinok is one of the oldest symbols of Ukraine. This session will be lead by an experienced artist and everything need to make your own vinok is included in the ticket price. Book tickets here.
Douze Points: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra plays your favourite Eurovision hits (12 May)
From folk to power ballads, heavy metal to Europop, Eurovision has it all, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are ready to embrace the musical madness, bringing you orchestral versions of iconic Eurovision songs. Tickets are selling fast so grab them quick!
Liverpool Eurovision Viewing Parties
Practically every venue across Liverpool will be opening their doors for viewing parties, just in case you missed out on the gold dust tickets to see the shows live. Being in the city hosting surrounded by the Eurovision buzzing atmosphere surely comes as a close second. Just head over to your favourite venues social media pages to find out if they’re hosting a viewing party!
The Beatles & Eurovision
Two of Liverpools most iconic Beatles locations have teamed up to celebrate local music and deliver a line up of free live music events in the lead up to Eurovision 2023. The Jacaranda and Beatles story will be supporting local musicians at their attraction. The free Events will be hosted at the Fab4 Café, located at the Beatles Story on the Albert Dock, just a stones throw away from the hosting venue of Eurovision, the M&S Bank Arena. Find out more.
To discover more events happening across Liverpool and the city region check out our What’s On listings.