The impact of hosting Eurovision

While the Eurovision Song Contest itself took place over three days, Liverpool, as 2023 hosts, organised a two-week cultural festival between 1–14 May – the first of its kind from a Eurovision host city.

As fans from across the world descended on Liverpool, EuroFestival presented 24 brand new commissions which transformed the city, 19 of which were collaborations between UK and Ukrainian artists. Liverpool BID provided financial support for the Eurovision Village and helped in creating such a welcoming atmosphere. 

Early footfall data and figures from Merseyside Police suggest an additional 500,000 visitors came to Liverpool during those two weeks. The Eurovision Village on the Pier Head, which was open for 9 days, welcomed 250,000 visitors, more than 150,000 than originally forecast.

Figures from Liverpool BID Company show that the city centre area – not including Liverpool ONE – had an additional 384,036 visitors, an increase of 13.2% on 2022. 

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: 

“The lasting memory of Eurovision in Liverpool will be one of joy. To see so many people enjoy the city has given it such a buzz and that’s the message we have had from our businesses. They’re telling us they have seen a real boost in people coming in and just wanting to enjoy the atmosphere.

“The private sector, through BID, made a six figure investment to help ensure the benefit of Eurovision would be felt throughout the city centre.  We’ve spent a lot of time with our city centre businesses helping to prepare for this, from window dressing and artwork to karaoke displays and language classes, so it’s great to see it paying off.

“We know that the impact of Eurovision isn’t purely in the two weeks of celebrations, but for the 160 million people watching at home and the projected economic impact of £250 million over the next three years.”

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IPM

Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.