Liverpool’s team of Eurovision volunteers to receive special thank you

The 400+-strong team of volunteers who provided an unforgettable welcome for what is regarded as the most successful Eurovision Song Contest ever are being given a special civic thank you. 

Liverpool’s amazing EuroVols – who for two weeks donned their eye-catching yellow uniform and welcomed visitors from across the world to enjoy Eurovision – will attend a ‘Thank You’ event at St George’s Hall on Tuesday 27 June. 

Ranging from 18 to 81 years of age, 475 people provided 12,000 hours of volunteering across the Eurovision period, working a total of 350 shifts. The roles were located across the city centre, at the Tourist Information Centre in Liverpool ONE, at the Eurovision Village on the Pier Head and at key transport hubs.

The majority of volunteers lived in the North West of England (90 per cent) and more than 30 of them were Ukrainian. In a commitment to upskilling and legacy, all volunteers received training on Disability and Neurodiversity, Intercultural Communication, LGBTQ+ inclusion, first aid training, sessions on tourism and security training from Merseyside Police.

In a post-event survey, of those who responded, more than 90 per cent rated their experience as ‘excellent’ and said they would consider volunteering again. 

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Rasmussen, will join the city’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, in a celebration of the vital role they played in Liverpool’s globally acknowledged Eurovison host city success.  

The volunteers will be presented with an official certificate to recognise their contribution and will have the chance to share their unique experiences with fellow EuroVols.  They will also gather on the steps of St George’s Hall for an official photo capturing the EuroVols Class of 2023!

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is hailed as the most successful host city programme ever, with early indications showing an additional 500,000 visitors were attracted to the city during the first two weeks of May, bringing in millions of pounds to the local economy. 

Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“Our EuroVols were perfect ambassadors for Liverpool and for Eurovision and they were at the heart of this event which will go down in Liverpool’s history as a real stand-out moment.

“It seemed like they were everywhere and were always on hand to welcome people, answer questions and offer any advice or guidance.

“We’ve already had amazing feedback from visitors and delegations who have said the EuroVols just added to the incredible city experience – going above and beyond to make sure that the renowned Liverpool warmth was felt by all and also to ensure the city was doing Ukraine proud at all times.

“The volunteers themselves have been so grateful to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, meeting new people, gaining skills and making unforgettable memories. I’m looking forward to thanking them all in person and hearing as many of their fantastic Eurovision stories as possible.”

And here is what some of the EuroVols had to say:

“Seeing Liverpool getting recognised for what we see every day, kindness welcoming love, was just amazing. To be able to stand with Ukraine and show the world how to throw a party was spectacular and it was an honour to be part of the atmosphere, the music and the culture.”

Kirsty Swift

“An absolute top ten life experience. Volunteering was the best paid job in terms of smiles given and received. Thank you forever.”

David Marsh

“When there is global volatility, Eurovision bridges the international community together through music. Music can be seen as a language. A language universally understood to express emotions and culture. Together as Eurovision Volunteers, we have an experience that we all share. We made Eurovision happen. We created history.”

Josh Knox

Evaluation of the impact of Eurovision Song Contest, which will include more detail about the diversity and inclusivity of the volunteering programme and its legacy, is currently taking place, with the initial findings expected to be ready in July. 

A gallery of images from Liverpool’s Eurovision host city events are available at Visit Liverpool.