Eurovision 2023: Everything you need to know about the free two-week EuroFestival coming to Liverpool

Eurovision is coming to Liverpool and we're just as excited as Verka Serduchka when she puts on her glittery silver dress to go out dancing!

Whilst we’re still a little bit gutted that Manchester won’t be hosting the grand song contest on behalf of Ukraine this year, we’re certainly buzzing for Liverpool - especially now that details of their ‘euphoric, engaging, and entertaining’ celebration plans have been unveiled.

As part of the build-up to the grand final of Eurovision on Saturday, May 13, Liverpool has decided to go big on the pre-party with a massive two-week free festival taking place across the city - a first for any host city.

READ MORE: The best things to see and do in Manchester in 2023

The EuroFestival, which will run from May 1-14, will feature 24 cultural commissions including light-up nightingales, a ‘mass participation’ dance event, a performance from former Ukrainian Eurovision winner Jamala and a three-day LGBTQ+ music festival.

Liverpool was chosen to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest after it was decided that last year’s winners Ukraine could not host the event due to safety and security concerns.

Following Sam Ryder’s second place triumph for the UK, it was decided the country would step in to host the event for Ukraine. 19 of this year’s EuroFestival projects will be specifically between artists in the UK and Ukraine in honour of Kalush Orchestra’s big victory.

Liverpool described the EuroFestival as ‘unique in every sense’ and said the free and accessible event would ensure the spirit of Eurovision ‘spilled onto the streets’.

Claire McColgan CBE, director of Culture Liverpool, said: “No other Eurovision host city has ever curated a creative programme of such scale and scope, paying homage