Eurovision Daily Sunday 7th May: Seven events happening today

It has finally arrived! The official opening to Eurovision takes place this evening at St George’s Hall Plateau with a spectacular live show!

Once again there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Liverpool today. The Eurovision Village at the pier head is the hub of activity and entertainment, where visitors can enjoy live music, dance performances, and a range of other cultural events.

But tonight will see the official launch of The Song Contest as The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome takes place at St. George’s Hall Plateau. If you didn’t manage to bag yourself a ticket to this outdoor spectacle, you can see highlights on ‘Eurovision Welcomes The World’ hosted by Rylan and Sunetra Sarker on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, on Monday, May 8.

You can also watch it live from the Eurovision Village at the Pier Head which has a capacity for 15,000.

Let’s take a look at what you can get up to today:

Eurovision Opening Ceremony

The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome – a spectacular live show, outside St George’s Hall in the heart of Liverpool.

The show will celebrate Liverpool’s incredible musicality, unique humour and famously warm welcome, as well as the partnership between Liverpool, Ukraine and Eurovision that will define this year’s contest. Bringing together high profile performances, collaborations and stunning production and staging, this high-energy show will welcome the largest crowd for any single event to be staged in Liverpool for Eurovision 2023.

Hosted by AJ Odudu and Joel Dommett this 90 minute outdoor show will be one of the events to kick-off the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in spectacular style, transforming Liverpool’s much loved St George’s Hall and the surrounding area into a massive party for the people.

Line-up announced so far:

This will be a spectacular show for the whole family, however this is an outdoor standing only event. There will be no readmission permitted during the event. It may not be suitable for very young children.

The event is now SOLD OUT – but if you managed to get your ticket – doors will open for pre-show entertainment at 5.30pm with the last entry at 7.30pm. The show will start at 8.00pm and will be finished by 10:00pm.

Rave UKraine at Hangar34

EuroFestival - Rave UKraine — EuroFestival – Rave UKraine

Rave UKraine – the historic event taking place in Liverpool and Kyiv simultaneously today, will now be at Hangar 34.

The event is a first of its kind: a party taking place in two cities, at the exact same time, thousands of miles apart – both broadcast via a livestream to make one singular, unifying rave.

Rave UKraine Liverpool Lineup:

Acclaimed UK synthpop band, Hot Chip (DJ set).
Eclectic and experimental Ukrainian DJ Mingulitka.
Pioneering DJ and legendary former Hacienda Club resident DJ Paulette.
Founder of influential electronic collective UNKLE, DJ James Lavelle.
DJ, producer, promoter & vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Jodie Harsh.
BBC Radio 1’s Future Dance show presenter and DJ, Sarah Story.
Experimental Ukrainian DJ and producer, Human Margareeta.

The acts announced for the Ukrainian rave at HVLV Bar are: Petya Cantrust, Jane, Raavel, Pledov and Lostlojik.

Both raves will be live streamed to the other, in partnership with a globally-renowned editorial streaming platform – so the music and dancing can cross borders in a show of unity and solidarity with Ukraine and its culture during the Russian invasion.

All profits from Rave UKraine go to Music Saves UA.

For more info click here.

Concert Square Eurovision Party Continues

As Europe’s biggest music competition descends on the region, the popular night-life hotspot will be transformed for three weekends of live music and dazzling production – with all the colour, fun and energy that this huge international spectacle is sure to create.

Celebrations are set to continue all day today, with a line-up featuring rising home-grown stars of the future, leading up to the programme’s climax during ‘finals week’!

The whole programme will be one big, free party for all, so in honour of the universally adored Eurovision legends ABBA, the industry-leading tribute band ABBA Forever will entertain the crowds across all three dates with a set list of iconic anthems guaranteed to get people singing and dancing, with hands in the air! Recognised as one of the best recreations of the seminal group live in concert, there will be no better place in the city to embrace the full Eurovision party spirit.

‘The Square’ has always been one of the most popular places to gather for big celebrations and Eurovision is set to be one of the biggest parties it’s ever seen. With bespoke staging, lighting, decor and projections all being installed to ensure that it’s ready to embrace this grand occasion – and show just how our city can rise to those big moments.

Xpresia Festival

Xpresia: Stas Koroliov live (by Denys Poliakov)

Xpresia is a unique and free to attend festival concept that brings together different forms of both electronic and performing arts within a carefully curated three-day programme, celebrating culture, unity, and creative freedom of expression.

Across three days – Sunday 7^th, Monday 8^th and Tuesday 9^th May – over 30 Ukrainian and UK artists will showcase their work to the city and world beyond. Taking place in the thriving development area of the Ten Streets, Xpresia will happen across some of Liverpool’s best independent arts and music venues; The Invisible Wind Factory (Hall, Substation & Garden), Meraki, and Quarry.

For more info click here.

Eurovision Village – Firstival

Firstival - Eurovision village - Eurovision — Credit: Eurovision village

Enjoy Bank Holiday Sunday with a day-long kids’ festival, with the stage hosted by Lizzie Acker. Live performances, great music and lots of fun from some of your favourites from CBBC and Cbeebies, including a special set from Andy and the Odd Socks!

After that has ended, the stage is handed over to some amazing emerging local artists including Ni Maxine and Mic Lowry before welcoming the amazing House Gospel Choir.

Full line up information

House Gospel Choir

Hey Duggee Live Show

Bluey Live Show

Andy and The Odd Socks

Blue Peter (tbc)

LIMF Academy presents;

Ni Maxine

Tee

Mic Lowry

Chris E and Laura Weaver

Raimondo

Matica

There will also be a live screening of The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome if you didn’t manage to get a ticket for the event. Entry is free all day!

For more info click here.

Eurovision Party Night Cruise – Mersey Ferries

Mersey Ferries is joining in the Eurovision excitement with two unmissable all singing all dancing parties to prepare for the big night.

Grab your gang and get ready to party the night away with our live DJ who will be playing all the best (douze points) and worst (nul points) Eurovision hits.

Celebrate with a ‘Boom Bang a Bang’ and treat yourself ‘Ooh Aah… Just A Little Bit’ with a night of ‘Euphoria’ on the ‘Water(loo)’. Whether you’re a ‘Space Man’ or a ‘Diva’ flamboyant costumes are encouraged! Tickets will sell out fast so don’t take too long ‘Making Your Mind Up’.

Drinks and snacks are available to purchase throughout the night from our fully licensed bar.

For more info click here.

Eurovision Opening Rave – 24 Kitchen Street

Get ready for a bank holiday Sunday like no other in Liverpool! On May 7th, the Green Room will be transformed into a spectacular indoor jungle, setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of music and dancing.

Featuring a lineup of top DJs playing the best in tech house, techno and disco, this event promises to be a feast for the senses. From the moment you step into the venue, you’ll be transported to a world of lush greenery and exotic vibes.

Whether you’re a die-hard techno fan or just love to get down to some disco classics, there’s something for everyone at this event. And with Liverpool’s reputation as a hub for electronic music, you know you’re in for a night to remember.

So come join us on May 7th at the Green Room in Liverpool for a night of non-stop beats and tropical vibes. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience one of the city’s hottest tech house, techno and disco events!

For more info click here.

Grab a Drink

Why not stop into Tempest on Tithebarn for a refreshing cocktail – it’s not a million miles from St. George’s Hall or the Pier Head. They have a great selection of drinks and even a rooftop terrace too!

Grab a Bite

Why not get yourself a Sunday Lunch from Gaucho… we say Sunday Lunch, but it’s more like a Sunday Session at Gaucho with live music to enjoy while you indulge in one of life’s best-loved traditions, the Sunday roast.

It’s the perfect way to round off a jam-packed weekend, especially for sore heads in desperate need of a Bloody Mary! Each week from 12pm until 3pm Gaucho provides a bottomless roast menu. Its never-ending roast means you can eat until your heart’s content (or your stomach is bursting) for just £36.