Liverpool’s Eurovision legacy continues to boost City Region’s economy and global reputation

A new study has revealed that the Liverpool City Region is still reaping the rewards of hosting Eurovision 2023, with repeat visitors generating an additional £11.1 million for the local economy over the past year.

This comes on top of the £54.8 million brought in during the event itself, which saw Liverpool take centre stage for 162 million viewers worldwide.

But the impact of Eurovision extends beyond just financial figures. The event has reinforced Liverpool’s position as a global cultural powerhouse, fuelling a record-breaking visitor economy now worth £6.25 billion.

Hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine was more than just a music competition—it was a statement of solidarity and global leadership. Liverpool proved that it doesn’t just watch history unfold, it plays a part in shaping it.

The ‘Eurovision effect’ has reinforced the Liverpool City Region’s position as a premier global destination, attracting record-breaking tourism. It continues to stage major events like EURO 2028, Radio 1’s Big Weekend, The Open Golf Championship and the World Boxing Championships, and solidifying its reputation as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

Despite not ranking in the top 100 cities globally by population, Liverpool sits among the top 10 most recognised non-capital cities worldwide. The Eurovision effect has only strengthened that status, elevating the city’s brand on the international stage and proving that Liverpool continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to cultural influence.

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:

“Eurovision wasn’t just a music competition—it was a statement of solidarity with Ukraine and a testament to Liverpool’s global influence. We didn’t just host an event—we embraced a cause.

“One year on, the Eurovision effect continues to deliver—boosting our economy, creating jobs, and securing our city region’s position as a place that welcomes the world. But the real legacy of Eurovision isn’t just financial—it’s the pride, unity, and lasting international partnerships we’ve built.

“At a time when global events remind us of the importance of standing together, Liverpool proved that culture isn’t just entertainment—it’s soft power in action. Our doors remain open to the world, and Eurovision was just the beginning.”

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, added:

“Liverpool’s hosting of Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine redefined the competition.

 “Not only was it our ambition to stage the most successful-ever contest – which we achieved in spades – but from the outset we wanted to make sure there was a lasting legacy of the event, which would continue to benefit Liverpool for years to come.

 “This latest report shows in black and white the value of hosting major events. For ten days in May 2023, Liverpool shone under the global spotlight, making it a destination people wanted to return to time and time again, or visit for the first time. In turn, that boosts our local economy, supports jobs and brings vital footfall to our culture and leisure industries.

“And of course, seeing what a show this City can put on attracts other opportunities, and securing the likes of Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the World Boxing Championships can undoubtedly be attributed to the Eurovision-effect.

 “The City Council has spent more than 20 years investing and building its cultural credentials, understanding the true value of soft power and how transformational it can be, and we look forward to the next phase of our journey which will see us working with all of our neighbouring boroughs to make the City Region an enviable cultural capital.”

Liverpool’s Director of Culture, Claire McColgan CBE, who is also Assistant Director – Culture for the Liverpool City Region, said: 

“Evaluation and learning is always at the heart of everything we do as it informs and shapes future events. Eurovision 2023 remains a standout event for this city and we’re still hugely proud or how we worked in partnership with the BBC, the Government, and of course the people of Ukraine, to deliver what is quite rightly regarded as the most successful competition in the event’s history. These relationships continue to grow and strengthen, helping to cement Liverpool’s reputation as a global leader in major event delivery.

“As the UK’s first UN Accelerator City, legacy will take centre stage once again this year, as we commit to introducing environmental innovation where possible in our creative sector, and in doing so ensuring that our major events leave a lasting legacy for our communities.”

The research, commissioned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council, highlights several key findings:

• Repeat visitors: 54,417 people who attended Eurovision events returned to Liverpool, making a total of 72,454 additional trips.
• Financial impact: These return visits generated £11.1m, adding to the £54.8m impact during the event itself.
• Cultural value: The event delivered an estimated £4.6m in cultural benefits to domestic attendees.
• Global reputation: Eurovision put Liverpool on the map for major international events, leading to record-breaking visitor numbers in 2023 and a £6.25bn tourism economy—£600m above projected figures.
• Pride and community impact: Over 95% of Liverpool City Region residents said they were proud of Liverpool’s role as host, reinforcing the event’s lasting social value.

Eurovision was just the beginning. Liverpool City Region has established itself as a major global events capital, and with an ever-growing £6.25bn visitor economy, it is ready to welcome the next wave of world-class events, partnerships, and opportunities.

The city that staged Eurovision for Ukraine is now preparing to host the world—again and again.

Watch our highlights from Eurovision below:

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