St George’s Hall to host ‘Eurovision Extravaganza’ series of events during the week of the competition

Two iconic Grade I listed landmarks in Liverpool are getting into the Eurovision Extravaganza spirit. 

The St George’s Hall Eurovision Extravaganza will take place from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 13 May and will feature five events. 

The programme will kick off on Wednesday 10 May, with a series of guided tours, which will chronicle Liverpool’s journey from being crowned ‘World Capital of Pop’ by the Guinness Book of Records to now being host city of Eurovision 2023. 

Also on the Wednesday, St George’s Hall Charitable Trust team up with organist Lee Ward to present the best of Eurovision as never heard before on the 7,737 piped Willis Organ of St George’s Hall. All proceeds will go to St George’s Hall Charitable Trust. 

Thursday 11 May will showcase the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 second Semi Final, which will be the first of two live screenings supported by entertainment acts and presented in partnership with LCR Pride Foundation and ASG Audio Visual. The evening will be hosted by drag queen and cabaret artist, Brenda LeBeau. The Scouse songstress and one-time Drag Idol UK finalist will be joined by after show DJs, Sonic Yootha – a self-proclaimed “dislocated disco for homos, fauxmos, gender-blenders & part-time Brendas”. 

The penultimate event will take place on Friday 12 May with an ABBA tribute night, providing live music entertainment in honour of the hugely popular 1974 Eurovision Song Contest winners. 

The programme will culminate on Saturday 13 May with Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final, with LCR Pride Foundation and ASG Audio Visual adding sparkle to the glittering grandeur of the Great Hall via acts including. 

In a touching show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, as well as some of Liverpool’s own most vulnerable people, the Homebaked Bakery team who operate St George’s Hall café will be selling their Peace Pie at some of the above mentioned events. £1 from each pie sold will be donated to DEC Humanitarian Appeal in Ukraine and Fans Supporting Foodbanks. 

More information and tickets for the St George’s Hall Eurovision Extravaganza events programme can be found athttps://www.stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk/eurovision-extravaganza/.  

On Thursday 11 May, Liverpool Town Hall will host Didsbury String Quartet for a concert performance of Eurovision classics. 

Made up of musicians who have collaborated with Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and have worked on productions such as Peaky Blinders, Victoria and Bridgerton – as well as with artists such as Ellie Goulding, Gary Barlow, Sting, and Lady Gaga – Didsbury String Quartet are no strangers to Eurovision, as two of their violinists performed alongside the UK’s Jade Ewen at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 final. 

Now, they are gearing up for an event billed as “Eurovision meets Bridgerton”, due to its splendorous setting and the classical music which both promise to offer a sensory feast for those who attend. 

Guests of the event will be given extra prestige, with a welcome from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool also on the cards. 

A limited number of ticket upgrades, which will entitle guests to a guided tour of the Town Hall prior to the event, are also available to purchase, with event organisers urging music fans to book early to avoid disappointment. 

More information and tickets are available at https://www.liverpooltownhall.co.uk/events/didsbury-string-quartet-plays-eurovision.  

Head of Venue Operations at Liverpool City Halls, Hannah Sweeney, said: 

“We’re incredibly excited to be adding some Eurovision magic to the historic grandeur of our City Halls. 

“St George’s Hall has already played a key role in hosting BBC Two’s live Semi Final Draw back in January and will also be the backdrop for the National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome in May – so, it makes complete sense for us to provide people with a variety of events which will allow them to get up close and personal with a key location during Eurovision week. 

“And, on top of that, a touch of class and elegance with the Didsbury String Quartet event at our magnificent Town Hall! 

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors during this next exciting chapter for our City Halls.” 

Andi Herring, CEO, LCR Pride Foundation said: 

“We pride ourselves on partnership and collaboration and this event is no different. Eurovision being in Liverpool means so much for our region’s LGBT+ community and we owe them the most iconic party and venue in town. 

“We’re really excited to be bringing some of the best local and international talent to St George’s Hall to celebrate the contest, our city’s LGBT+ community and of course the Ukrainian community who we host on behalf of.” 

Cabinet Member for Culture & Visitor Economy, Cllr Harry Doyle said: 

“From guided tours and a classical take on Eurovision anthems, to an ABBA tribute and flamboyant screening parties, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff or a disco queen. 

“St George’s Hall will already go down in Eurovision history, having hosted the Insignia (handover) ceremony earlier this year, which saw Turin pass over the ceremonial baton to Liverpool. It is also looking forward to welcoming 30,000 fans at a spectacular live outdoor show on 7th May. These newly announced events will give even more residents and visitors an opportunity to be part of the world’s biggest party which we are proudly hosting on behalf of Ukraine.”