Exciting performances, musical stairs and more as National Museums Liverpool announces packed Eurovision programme

National Museums Liverpool has announced an exciting programme of events for Eurovision this May.

Many of the events are part of EuroFestival (1 – 14 May 2023), the two-week long cultural festival taking place across Liverpool to coincide with the city hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Visitors to the city and locals alike can expect to see unrivalled entertainment, animating NML’s cultural venues and spaces like never before. From after-hours events throughout Eurovision week, to musical and cultural experiences delving deeper into Eurovision and its place in Liverpool, NML’s programme of events will complement the city-wide activity taking place throughout May. 

David Watson, Executive Director of Audiences and Media at National Museums Liverpool, said:

“Everywhere you look in Liverpool, there is talent and creativity. Our exciting programme will not only highlight some of the hidden stories behind Eurovision, but also platform local and international creatives along with our visitors – giving everybody their moment in the dazzling Eurovision spotlight.” 

Full details of NML’s events and activities are below: 

Eurovision XTRAs – 9 & 11 May, Museum of Liverpool 

National Museums Liverpool’s XTRA programme is an opportunity to experience our venues and spaces like never before outside our daytime opening hours. It’s one of the newest best kept secrets in town, and you won’t want to miss these uniquely curated events inspired by Eurovision. Join us for two XTRA events, on both Eurovision semi-final nights (9 and 11 May) and experience a programme of exclusive performances ranging from voguing, comedians to well-known vocalists and DJ’s plus delicious food and drink available throughout the evening.  

Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final Screenings – 13 May, Museum of Liverpool & World Museum

Join us for a night to remember as we screen the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 final in the incredible surroundings of Museum of Liverpool and World Museum. These extra-special screenings invite you to come together with friends and family for a brilliant night out, as Liverpool hosts the grand finale of Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. Whether you’re a die-hard Eurovision fan or just looking to be part of the action, there’s something for you. 

Musical Stairs – 1 – 14 May, Museum of Liverpool 

The steps and terraces of Museum of Liverpool have a strong presence as part of Liverpool’s waterfront – now, they are being brought to life through large-scale interactive piano keys that adorn a segment of the stairs, encouraging musical play.  

Outdoor Immersive Projections – 1 – 14 May, Museum of Liverpool 

Head down to Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront to experience some incredible projections on the façade of Museum of Liverpool. Visitors can expect a dazzling show illuminating the venue in gorgeous technicolour and artistic formations.   

Eurovision Walk of Fame – 1 – 14 May, Museum of Liverpool 

The Eurovision Walk of Fame experience invites you to explore, see and hear iconic Eurovision moments from years past through AR technology. A selection of the iconic steps outside Museum of Liverpool will feature interactive scannable elements, compatible with social media platform Instagram, giving you the chance to relive some iconic moments from Eurovision’s past. This project is a collaboration between National Museums Liverpool, Ukrainian national Veronika Yasnska, and leading Ukrainian AR/VR creative agency ADVIN. 

Museum Sessions Live – 14 April – 14 May, Various Venues 

Our brand-new Museum Sessions Live initiative – inspired by National Museums Liverpool’s YouTube series ‘Museum Sessions’ – is a unique opportunity to experience live music in our venues, from a range of performers, as we celebrate the power of music and performance, along with the unrestrained joy, diversity and expression that Eurovision embodies. 

Youth Engagement Forum Song Competition – Online 

The Youth Engagement Forum would like to invite young people from across the city to write a song inspired by the themes of ‘Unity’ and/or ‘friendship’. The winning entries will get a chance to perform their song at a special Eurovision inspired event organised by the Youth Engagement Forum at the Museum of Liverpool. You can submit your song entry here. 

Eurovision Café: Coffee & Turntables – 11, 18, 25 April and 2 May, 12pm – 4pm, Various Venues 

Coffee and Turntables is DJ duo Ivan Thunder and Pete Martin who started the event in 2018 as the original Liverpool Baltic Triangle street party – with DJs spinning vinyl records throughout the Summer on Jamaica Street.  We’ll be turning our cafes into Coffee & Turntable sessions, spinning the best Eurovision inspired tracks, remixes and more.  

Euro Kids – 30 April, 11am – 4pm, Museum of Liverpool 

You’re never too young to enjoy a gig! Get down to the Museum of Liverpool where we’ll be getting in the mood for Eurovision with all the Euro classics, throwing some shapes and belting out our favourites. Tickets go on sale 8 April. 

After Hours: Song Writing Contest – 5 May, 6pm – 8:30pm, Museum of Liverpool 

NML’s Youth Engagement Forum are inviting young people from across the city to write a song inspired by the themes of unity and friendship, with the winning entries getting the chance to perform their song at a special Eurovision inspired event organised at the Museum of Liverpool on Friday 5 May. Fancy dress obligatory!  

Walker Art Party – 6 May, 10am – 5pm, Walker Art Gallery 

Excited about Eurovision and looking for a way to celebrate? We welcome all visitors to join us for this fun packed in which we will be celebrating all things creative. During the day you can expect a variety of both free and paid activities for different ages including art workshops led by Ukrainian artists, face painting, family discos, dressing up and more.  

Eurovision Insignia Keys – From 1 April – June 2023, Museum of Liverpool 

The iconic Eurovision insignia key chain will be on display at Museum of Liverpool. Liverpool mayor, Joanne Anderson received the Eurovision keys from Mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, at a special ceremony in St George’s Hall in February 2023, launching the start of Liverpool’s tenure as host to the world’s biggest music competition. Since 2007 each host city has made a key to add to the chain. A Liverpool key will be made later this year to be passed on to next year’s host. 

Superlambanana Takeover, Museum of Liverpool 

Two of the Museum of Liverpool’s external Superlambananas (smaller versions of the original by Taro Chiezo, on display in Tithebarn Street) will be refreshed in time for Eurovision. Local artist, Vince Cleghorn is working with Merseyside Polonia to represent the city’s Polish community on one new design for the iconic sculpture, and another will be painted in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag as a show of solidarity with 2022 winners. 

There’ll be lots more opportunities for little ones, with Eurovision themed versions of classic events such as Babbling Babies, Family Art Club, Song Explorers and Craft & Create. 

The events also coincide with landmark new exhibition Return of the Gods at World Museum, the family-friendly exhibition that dives into ancient Greek and Roman mythology to expose the original ancient characters of the heroes and heroines of our time. Meanwhile Flower Fairies over at Lady Lever Art Gallery gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of illustrations from the Flower Fairies books by Cicely Mary Barker. 

For full details of what’s on at National Museums Liverpool for Eurovision events, click here and here.