It's not often that Liverpool can say that it's captured the eyes of the world, but that will all change this month, as the city plays host to Eurovision, Europe's biggest singing competition and one of the year's most-watched events. The city was awarded the honour after Sam Ryder won second place at the 2022 Eurovision Contest, losing out to Ukraine's entrants, Kalush Orchestra. However, as Ukraine are unable to host the event, hosting defaulted to the UK, with the city of Liverpool chosen following a strong city bid process that proved its ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists, and the cultural offering in reflecting Ukraine's win.
Pier Head has already been turned into the Eurovillage, the official gathering place for fans to watch and celebrate this year's spectacle, complete with large screens to broadcast the contest to audiences outside the arena while surrounded by cultural activities.
Where can I watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2023?
Aside from watching it in the comfort of your own home, many pubs, bars and restaurants across the country will broadcast the event's final – taking place on Friday 13 May – and there are myriad outdoor screens going up around the UK to cater for those who wish to watch the competition unfold while soaking up some spring sunshine.
All of the event's live shows will also be available to watch on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel, as well as on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. So, it's time to dig out your Union Jack flag and most glittery ensemble, Eurovision fever is upon us.
Do you need tickets for Eurovision village?
Located at Pier Head, Eurovision Village will be the main hub for fans and locals to soak up the celebratory atmosphere of the Eurovision Song Contest, and visitors will also be able to watch King Charles III's coronation this weekend, as well as listen to live music from singer, bands and DJs. Opening on Friday 5 May and running every day until the Grand Final on 13 May, the first eight days of the Eurovision Village will be free and non-ticketed, with the Grand Final Party on the Pier Head on Saturday 13 May ticketed at £15 per person. Though it's worth noting, if you are planning to visit Liverpool, the final party is already sold out, and so a visit ahead of the main event is a must.
How can I watch Eurovision in Liverpool?
We're so glad you asked because lots of the city's bars and TV-owning restaurants will be screening the final of the worldwide singing contest on Saturday 13 May. However, if you're keen to also watch the earlier stages and the build-up to the winning country being crowned, we've collated a clutch of our favourite venues that will be channelling the party spirit and rolling out the red carpet (and the big screen) for the week.
Where to watch Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool
Pier Head
We had to kick off the roundup of the best places to watch Eurovision in Liverpool with Pier Head, the location of the official Eurovision Village for 2023. Free and un-ticketed in the run-up to the final (which will be ticketed and is already sold out), visitors will be able to watch the preliminary rounds and all the buildup among a jovial atmosphere, live music events and lots of food and drink.
Website: eurovision.tv
The Liverpool Empire Theatre
Catch the live screening of the Eurovision Song Contest Final in the atmospheric surroundings of the Liverpool Empire Theatre's Piano Bar. With views of Liverpool's iconic St George's Hall and William Brown St, the stylish Piano Bar is the ideal place to watch the event in style. Make sure to grab your tickets ahead of time.
Website: atgtickets.com
Panam Restaurant & Bar
Just a few feet away from the M&S Bank Arena, where Eurovision itself will be held, Panam Bar and Restaurant on Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock will be hosting one of the largest Eurovision viewing parties in the city, making sure to honour Ukraine in the process. Tickets include a guaranteed table with a prime big screen view as well as a glass of bubbles on arrival, complimentary burgers and fries and the opportunity to enjoy live DJ sets throughout the night and take part in interactive voting, as well as a disco after the winner has been announced.
Website: panamliverpool.co.uk
St. George's Hall
In partnership with the LCR Pride Foundation and ASG Audio Visual, this Grade I-listed venue will be hosting a live screening of the Eurovision final among the grandeur of their Great Hall. Expect all sorts of entertainment, live performances, drinks and food, including traditional Ukrainian delicacies and “The Peace Pie”, named so to call for peace not only in the war in Ukraine, but also for people across the world.
Website: stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk
The Tate Liverpool
Join Tate Liverpool for an exclusive viewing of the Final. Sit back, relax and enjoy delicious food and drinks whilst you enjoy the Final with friends.
Website: tate.org.uk
The Club House
The Club House in Liverpool is known to throw parties like no other, and they're going all out for Eurovision, hosting themed shindigs every day of the week, alongside broadcasting the event on a huge projector in the garden.
Website: theclubhouse.uk.com
Liverpool's Royal Court
For just £30, you can secure dinner, a glass of fizz and a front-row seat to watch the event on a big screen (complete with surround sound, of course) at Liverpool's Royal Court, the city's famous Art Deco theatre, or attend without the food included for £15. There will be food stalls with a wide range of European cuisine in the circle and balcony and drinks from all around the continent, with £1 from every ticket sold donated to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Website: liverpoolsroyalcourt.com
Electrik Warehouse
Liverpool's most popular nightclub is refusing to miss out on the action, inviting Eurovision fans down for a live final screening, complete with discounted drinks and a Britney Spears impersonator to keep the celebratory atmosphere going well into the night. It's worth noting that seating is limited and so the event will mainly be standing.
Website: fatsoma.com
The Museum of Liverpool
This adults-only event will see the atrium of the Museum of Liverpool transformed into a lively space in which to watch the Eurovision final. Food and drink will be available all evening, and those who fancy really splashing out can upgrade to a Gold ticket to watch the final from the cosy theatre housed at the museum (with welcome snacks included) or a Platinum ticket to secure a sport in the specially curated VIP lounge hosted on the 1st floor of Museum of Liverpool. Included in the ticket price is an all-inclusive bar (wine, Prosecco, premium spirits, craft ale and beer as well as soft drinks) plus a hand-crafted luxury grazing buffet to enjoy all evening.
Website: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk