Frequently asked questions

In Liverpool, United Kingdom after it was concluded that the event could not be held in 2022’s winning country Ukraine, for safety and security reasons.

Two Semi-Finals will be held on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May with the Grand Final on Saturday 13 May 2023.

The EBU decided that regrettably for safety and security reasons the 2023 Contest could not be held in Ukraine and explored a number of options with the winning broadcaster UA:PBC. As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest and stage the event in the United Kingdom.

The European Broadcasting Union released two statements regarding this (on June 17 and June 23, 2022).

Yes, Ukraine’s song in 2023 will not have to qualify from the Semi-Finals as is traditional for the winning country of the previous year.

Liverpool demonstrated they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of the scale and complexity of Eurovision. They are experienced in hosting major international events and demonstrated their credentials in hosting a celebration of contemporary music.

Liverpool scored highest against an agreed evaluation criteria assessed by the BBC and agreed by the EBU. They have a suitable venue, the Liverpool Arena, and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest, their financial contribution from across the city and region, the strength of their cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity, as well as their commitment to showcasing Ukrainian culture and music.  

There was a formal ‘Request for Proposal (RFP)’ process, where each city was assessed against a set of criteria clearly set out for all parties.

Liverpool are ensuring that Ukrainian culture, music and people will be reflect in everything that they do as Host city. More details on the events programme around the city can be found here.

The three live shows will also reflect and celebrate Ukrainian culture. You can read more details about the Semi-Finals and Grand Final content on our website 

Tickets are no longer on sale for this year's shows. You can read more information here.

A full list of participating countries can be found here 

Liverpool has a fantastic venue, a beautiful backdrop of a city with a rich history of music, and a cultural offer that puts Ukraine at the heart of next year’s Song Contest. The team at the Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region will be fantastic partners for the BBC and EBU in delivering the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Details on the 4 hosts for this year's shows can be found here.

The Eurovision Song Contest is a co-production between around 40 public broadcasters from all over Europe, who contribute to the production budget, along with the Host Broadcaster, national and international sponsors, revenues from ticket sales and a contribution from the Host City.

Given the benefits that will flow to Liverpool, the Host City will contribute financially to the hosting of the ESC (both in direct costs and in-kind contributions). The Eurovision Song Contest television shows are fully funded by the BBC and Participating Broadcasters.

The BBC and EBU are working closely with the local council, Liverpool’s hoteliers association and the hotels directly to ensure that hotels are available for fans and media at reasonable costs.  We are seeking to maximise the available rooms both in Liverpool and the wider region, as we know there will be a huge demand for accommodation during this period.

More details on how to apply for accreditation for the event can be found here.

Tickets have now sold out for this year's show after unprecedented demand. Around 6,000 people will enjoy each of the 9 ticketed shows at the Liverpool Arena 

Requests for volunteers were made early in 2023 and all positions have now been allocated. Over 500 will be assisting visitors to Liverpool during the event.