Liverpool’s hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest last year on behalf of Ukraine has been the subject of a research project composed by the British Council, in partnership with Liverpool City Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The report used research, case studies and international surveys to explore if the event resulted in encouraging future visits, new business opportunities and a boost in the reputation of both Liverpool and the UK.
“Liverpool’s vision for achieving positive impact from the opportunity has redefined the event’s politics of place in ways that can inspire future hosts,” said the report.
The report acknowledges that Liverpool’s reputation as a city of music was improved, thanks to an extensive programme curated by the city’s council and its partners. Last year’s staging of the event saw the first EuroFestival programme, which saw 24 brand new artistic commissions, 19 of which were by Ukrainian artists.
Analysis of Eurovision 2023 inspiring visitors included a survey, which was taken by more than 5,000 people from countries including Estonia, France, Poland, Spain and Romania, and demonstrated that a third were more likely to visit the UK and Liverpool.
The research project was led by the University of Hull in collaboration with a team of consultants from the University of Brighton, the University of Glasgow, and Royal Holloway (University of London).
“Eurovision 2023 embodied something much greater than just a music contest – it was an incredible display of unity and creativity that showcased the very best of our area’s values. From the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flocked to our region for a fortnight of fun and frivolity, to the tens of millions around the world who tuned in, we showed them all the real Liverpool,” said Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram.
Additionally, Liverpool City Council has proposed to invest a total of £11m (€13m/$14m) in the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC Liverpool), to ensure that it can continue to attract major events and conferences.
The complex hosted Eurovision and has welcomed more than 8.3 million visitors, generating over £2.1bn in economic impact, since it opened in 2008.
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