Liverpool is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine this May, providing the perfect opportunity for the city to celebrate it's musical heritage
Submarine Parades, Rave Ukraine and English National Opera at EuroFestival, Liverpool 1 – 14 May 2023 Liverpool is the place to be this May. EuroFestival takes over the city for two-weeks in the run up to the Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool will play host to 24 brand new commissions set to transform the city – 19 of which are collaborations between UK and Ukrainian artists – inspired by the Eurovision 2023 slogan ‘United in Music’. Some highlights will include The Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade by The Kazimier, a huge outdoor underwater sea disco complete with a glitterball jellyfish, and Rave Ukraine, a collaboration between producer Jez Collins, UAME I Music Saves UA and Open Culture to deliver a simultaneous rave in Liverpool and Kyiv which will be streamed across the world. Other key moments will include an epic outdoor performance of English National Opera does Eurovision and a poignant commission from Ukrainian artist Katya Buchatska, who will transform the iconic Liverpool Cathedral into a train carriage, replicating the journey from Izyum to the border with Poland as a reminder of the spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian people. www.visitliverpool.com/eurovision-2023
Explore the UNESCO City of Music at year-round festivals, trails and experiences Whether you make it to Eurovision or not, as England’s only UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool is a must-visit for music lovers year-round. The spring season kicks off with Liverpool Sound City (28 – 30 April), a music festival and industry conference that captures the vibrancy of the city with gigs across different venues. Headlined by Maisie Peters, the three-day festival will also showcase new local and international talent. On the Waterfront Festival returns to the city’s famous Pier Head (29 June – 1 July) showcasing world-class talent such as Liverpool natives Jamie Webster and CamelPhat. And of course, Liverpool’s most famous musical export have their own festival in the form of International BeatleWeek Festival (23 – 29 August 2023), which celebrates the music of the most famous pop group the world has ever known in the rock band’s birthplace. Plus to get under the skin of the city’s music scene, britmusictours has plans for a new Liverpool Music Icons Tour from April – taking guests off the tourist trail – with tours led by either a member of the group ‘The Farm’ or ‘Frankie goes to Hollywood’. www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/music
Update your pop and rock knowledge at the British Music Experience, Liverpool
A must-visit for any music lover, the British Music Experience is embracing Eurovision in style with the jumpsuit Sam Ryder wore during the 2022 contest now on display. Whenever you visit, the interactive space is home to some of British music history’s most iconic memorabilia – from The Beatles to the Spice Girls – and there’s even the chance to get hands on in the Gibson Interactive Studio. Plus, a ticket is valid for a year from purchase meaning you can visit multiple times. www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/british-music-experience
Embrace Eurovision with a stay at INNSiDE Hotel, Liverpool An official Hotel Partner for Eurovision, INNSiDE Hotel, Liverpool is offering guests and visitors the chance to fully embrace the spirit of the event with a number of experiences on offer in the run up to and during Eurovision. Live DJs will play Eurovision anthems in the reception and the Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar areas; there’ll be private streaming and karaoke party spaces to book; a bespoke Eurovision Cocktail menu, special afternoon tea and more. The reception will see the 'Stay Curious' wall transformed and adorned with beautiful blue and yellow flowers; a proud nod to Ukraine, last year's Eurovision winning nation. www.innside.com/liverpool