has officially been announced as the host of, with delivering the highly-anticipated news on Friday.
The competition’s as we waited to find out whether Glasgow or Liverpool would be hosting the competition.
The final two cities battling it out were revealed last month following a seven-strong shortlist, which also included , Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and .
Ukrainian entry in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the annual event, decided the show cannot be safely held in the country following Russia’s invasion.
It was later decided that the as in the competition, making it the ninth time the country has welcomed the iconic event.
Following the reveal, Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Roy Gladden, was shown reacting to the decision live on-air, expressing how grateful he was to be able to showcase his city on the world stage.
‘If we hadn’t got it, if ever there was a city that deserved it, it was Glasgow. I’m so glad we’ve got it,’ he said.
Where in Liverpool is the Eurovision 2023 Song Contest being held?
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place at the Liverpool Arena, and broadcast live for those watching at home.
The Liverpool Arena, also known as M&S Bank Arena, is part of Exhibition Centre Liverpool and is located in central Liverpool, next to River Mersey.
What is the capacity of the Liverpool Arena?
The capacity of Liverpool Arena, which opened in 2008, is 11,000.
It’s previously hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2008 and strars including Beyoncé and Elton John have performed there.
Has the UK hosted the Eurovision Song Contest before?
The Eurovision Song Contest was last held in the UK in 1998, following .
On that occasion, the contest took place at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, hosted by  and Sir Terry Wogan.
The UK is no stranger when it comes to hosting the contest, having welcomed Eurovision to its shores no less than eight times.
Some were due to UK victories, while others involved stepping in when other countries were unable to host.
Their previous Eurovision hosting gigs were as follows:
- 1960 – London
- 1963 – London
- 1968 – London (following Sandie Shaw’s win in 1967)
- 1972 – Edinburgh
- 1974 – Brighton
- 1977 – London (following Brotherhood of Man’s win in 1976)
- 1982 – Harrogate (following in 1981)
- 1998 – Birmingham (following Katrina And The Waves’ win in 1997)
Although the UK has won the contest five times, they did not host after ’s win in 1969, as the honour went to the Netherlands, who were one of four countries tied for the trophy the year before.
What could the date of Eurovision 2023 be?
The Eurovision 2023 finals were revealed by Graham yesterday, as he declared: ‘I can reveal it’s Liverpool, 13th May! Pop that in your calendars!’
So, the final will be taking place on Saturday May 13 at Liverpool Arena, with the semi-finals of next year’s competition preceding the last stage of the contest.
The dates for the semi-finals are: Tuesday May 9 and Thursday May 11.
Are on sale yet?
Tickets are not on sale yet, but are expected to go on sale towards the end of this year.
In previous years, tickets have been released in batches, depending on how seats are allocated in various arenas.
– six rehearsals and three live shows (including the grand final).
Eurovision 2023 is coming to the BBC in May.
