Eurovision 2023: Liverpool vs Glasgow

Either Liverpool or Glasgow will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 – we know we’re a little biased, but which city would you choose?

Did anyone ever expect this time would come again? Not since 1997 when Katrina and the Waves (of Walking on Sunshine fame) racked up 227 votes, and brought home the win, with Love Shine a Light have we felt the Eurovision buzz around the country.

Birmingham hosted the song contest in 1998, and with the Sam Ryder’s Spaceman missing out on the top spot to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra, our chances we thought were taken from us again. Years we spent hearing the constant phrase of “Nil Poi” – now the UK has the honour of hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine due to the crisis happening in the the country.

After shortlisting cities over the last few months of where the contest should be held Liverpool has made the top 2! We might be biased, but we can’t say we’re surprised, we are amazing to be honest.

Liverpool is about to take on Glasgow for the top spot, and we love Glasgow, we really do… but here’s why Liverpool is a boss shout to host!

Scran

It’s food scene, now don’t get me wrong – Glasgow has a brilliant independent food scene just like us, the Finnieston district is a hip foodie hub of gourmet sandwich shops, artisanal coffee bars and trendy organic restaurants. Places like The Dockyard Social who bring the best street food that Scotland has to offer together under one roof, but let’s be honest… We have the Baltic Market, we have Duke Street Market, Art School and Maray… we’re getting a Box Park, that is not even scratching the surface of what our great city has to offer.

Every Scouser can boast about our thriving independent food scene. Hosting a range of multi-cultural cuisine, we literally have something for everyone, no matter where you’re visiting from in the world.

Culture

The city is an important centre for culture not just in the northwest of England, but also the United Kingdom more broadly. Having won Capital of Culture in 2008, we still hold on dearly to the values of what that title meant. We are basically the music capital of the world having birthed The Beatles, The Zutons, Atomic Kitten, The Real Thing as well as new music sensations like local lad Jamie Webster. If anywhere in the UK is to host a music competition… it should surely be Liverpool no?

Our visual and performance arts are second to none, stunning galleries like the Walker Art Gallery, The Tate… as well as the numerous theatres across the city, hosting everything from new work at the UNITY, side-splitting comedy from the Royal Court, or huge West End touring companies at the Empire, we know how to do art and culture, and we do it very well!

People

But most of all, Liverpool is its people… and not just the Scousers, it is everyone here… we all add our little bit to what makes our home better than the rest. Here is what the people of Liverpool had to say as to why we should win the fight for the final:

Ashleigh Owen, a local theatre maker, said: “We are world renowned for our musical talent! With it being a music contest it just makes sense that it would be here, for a city that people already visit because of music… it just makes sense doesn’t it?”

Mia, from Waterloo, said: “Liverpool is a city that is built on diversity, expression, everyone comes together. It is the friendliest place on earth, it is full of happy, funny, understanding and wonderful people – and it just has to be us that hosts Eurovision… I’m manifesting it.”

Barry, Halewood, said: “Liverpool is a twin city with Odessa in Ukraine, I mean if that’s not a sign I don’t know what is… aside from the fact that we are a hub for musical heritage, and I am not just talking about The Beatles, obviously there was Gerry and the Pacemakers, Cilla Black… there was loads! We’ve had the capital of culture as well so we are known for our diversity. I hope we get it, it will do great things for the city.”

John, Maghull, said: “‘Cos we are boss Laa.”

Louise, Toxteth, said: “Eurovision is one of my favourite nights of the year, so to have it here in Liverpool would be a dream come true! The strong musical heritage of our city combined with our incredible hospitality would make a standout event, and I think the whole city would get behind it.”

Needless to say, Eurovision is creating a huge buzz throughout the city, so lets hope the powers that be choose us and see our city for what it is… Proper Boss!