Eurovision 2023: 10 cultural shows and exhibitions you can enjoy in Liverpool in the build up to the contest

Liverpool is ready for Eurovision 2023 and there’s so much for you to see and do.

If we didn’t know how big the Eurovision 2023 celebration was going to be, we’re certainly getting a good idea now. It’s HUGE!

EuroFestival, the EuroVillage and the EuroClub are just a few events and areas set to take over the city as we get more and more excited about welcoming the world’s favourite song contest.

And there are loads of exhibitions and shows you can see in Liverpool during Eurovision 2023, like these:

Late at Tate Liverpool: The Spirit of Eurovision

Head to Tate Liverpool after hours on Thursday, May 4, to celebrate the countdown to Eurovision 2023. The Spirit of Eurovision recognises the power of music and creativity to unite everyone, and there’s a four-hour packed programme of live music, performance, workshops, talks, immersive installations and fashion – all inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest – along with food and drinks in the Tate Café. Find out more here.

Liverpool Cathedral

There’s a few events at Liverpool Cathedral, embracing Ukraine and celebrating the courage and culture of a country. Izyum to Liverpool, from May 1, takes you on a poignant train journey with a multi-channel video installation from Ukrainian artist Katya Buchatska. Filmed in real-time, it’s an extraordinary insight into the journey of escape many Ukrainians have taken since the Russian invasion in February last year. 

On Saturday, April 29, you can join Liverpool Cathedral and The Ukrainian Cultural Association in the UK for The Spirit of Ukraine recital, when Ukrainian pianist and composer Alla Sirenko and mezzo-soprano RozannaMadylus will perform in aid of the children’s hospitals in Ukraine, and on Tuesday, May 2, EuroFestival – War Exposed: Curating Contemporary Art the Ukrainian Way sees Lizaveta German talking about the tradition of self-organisation in (art) communities in Ukrainian cities.

Find out more about Liverpool Cathedral’s events here.

Unity Theatre

EuroFest collaborator Unity’s got a programme of events including Songs for Europe – a show created with 150 people living in care homes and featuring their voices reflecting on the early days of Eurovision – and A Place of Hope, a two-week celebration of Ukraine which will feature free-to-access performance, workshops and more.

Created in partnership with award-winning Ukrainian theatre makers Yurii Radionov and Shorena Shoniia, A Place of Hope, from May 2, includes their highly acclaimed theatre production UKRLAND: Stories from Ukraine; audiences will also be able to enjoy Ukrainian poetry, panel discussions, creative workshops, a walking trail from Open Eye Gallery and extended exhibition from Kyiv photographer Anton Shebetko on the queer history of Ukraine, and Hope Table, a unique dining experience.

Royal Court: A Thong for Europe

Comedy gold starring Linzi Germain – and a chance to indulge in more things ‘Eurovision’. Germain plays Lulu, the proud owner of Litherland’s largest lingerie manufacturer, and the biggest Eurovision fan you’ll ever meet:  conceived to the beat of ABBA’s tambourine, she sups Bucks Fizz – and Sonia had to take out a restraining order against her in 2002. When Liverpool won the right to host the competition, she seized her big chance to make her dream come true and be in the audience on the night. Book tickets here.

Walking Light Trail – Soloveiko Songbirds

One of the most ambitious projects of the festival, 12 large scale, light-up nightingales have been placed around the city, each designed with unique plumage and accompanied by audio soundscapes to represent different regions of Ukraine, making up a fab illuminated trail. The Soloveiko is the national bird of Ukraine and a symbol of song and happiness. Find out more here.

Welcome to Eurotopia

OMD’s Andy McCluskey will join Liverpool indie rockers Red Rum Club and psychedelic pop queen Jane Weaver to become Welcome To Eurotopia, a supergroup made up of Liverpool musicians and Ukrainian artists. They’ll be on the Pier Head stage at 9:30pm on May 5, following a performance from 2022 Eurovision winners, Kalush Orchestra, for the opening of the Eurovision Village. 

Get more info here.

With Fire and Rage

Part of EuroFestival and created by Parade-Fest and Artists on the Frontline, and supported by Everyman & Playhouse, an audio experience allows you to immerse yourself in the stories of artists on the frontline in Ukraine. Combining testimony with photography, visual art, poetry and music, all you need is a smartphone and headphones to explore the powerful role creativity plays in the face of invasion.

EuroCamp – Chavasse Park

Liverpool ONE is hosting the three-day LGBTQI+ focused FREE festival on Chavasse Park from Monday, May 8, to Wednesday, May 10, featuring drag, performance, dance, music, carnival, circus and more. It starts on the Bank Holiday Monday with more than 50 artists on one day, and also features performance and walkabout entertainment from Ruby Lemon. 

The build-up to Eurovision 2023 continues with Stage on the Park from Thursday, May 11 May – Sunday, May 14, with a further four days of performances including LIPA Sixth Form’s Musical Theatre Choir and a Eurovision mash-up, up-and- coming talent from City of Liverpool College, and Liverpool Empire Creative Learning.

Find out more here.

Storyville Live

This will see the award-winning documentary series stage its first ever film festival from May 11-12 at the Everyman Cinema, celebrating both Ukrainian and music documentaries. There’ll be a selection of films highlighting Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and stories from the frontline of the conflict with Russia, alongside new and classic music documentaries.

Get more info here.

Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade

Yet another spectacular event in the run-up to Eurovision is the large scale street show, the Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade. An underwater-themed disco will party its way through the streets on Friday May 5, between 6-9pm. Highlights of the parade will be a giant drumming octopus, a jellyfish, and a big disco puffer fish, as well as the iconic submarine. Find out more here.

Get the latest Eurovision news for Liverpool HERE.