King Charles and the Queen Consort unveil the Liverpool 2023 stage

As well as their task to "light up the room", Their Majesties were also given a VIP tour of the venue. The set was revealed to a soundtrack of the Eurovision Song Contest theme composed by Michael Nekrasov, Liverpool 2023's Ukrainian composer.

The pair were joined by Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, and together they met staff, the creative team and apprentices getting the Arena ready to host the world’s largest live music event. They were then invited to light and animate the Arena with the set designer, as well the sound and lighting directors – revealing the 67th Eurovision Song Contest staging for the very first time.

The royal party also chatted to a selection of the Contest hosts, including Ukrainian singer, Julia Sanina, Emmy-Award winning actress Hannah Waddingham and BBC Radio 2 commentators Rylan and Scott Mills. They also met the United Kingdom’s entrant for the 2023 contest, Mae Muller, and music director of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, Kojo Samuel.

Designed by Julio Himede, the impressive stage has been designed on the principles of ‘togetherness, celebration and community’. Across more than 450 square metres of staging, the stunning set brings together another 220 square metres of independently moving and turning video screens, as well as over 700 video tiles integrated into the floor and more than 1500 metres of LED lights.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: 

“It is an honour that His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort have come here today to reveal the fantastic staging for our Eurovision Song Contest programming. This set will be the focal point for all of the celebrations and we cannot wait to see it lighting up Liverpool and TV screens across the world.”