M&S BANK Arena – Part of the ACC LIVERPOOL GROUP. Currently our group includes M&S Bank Arena, ACC Liverpool, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and our ticketing agency Ticket Quarter. M&S Bank Arena is one of the the most prestigious venues in the UK.  The arena opened in 2008 with the launch event for Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture. Part of The ACC Liverpool Group and purpose built as one of the next generation of event venues, it has a track record of delivering high profile, world class events and creating unforgettable memories.

The arena has played host to a raft of significant events from the world of music and entertainment including the MOBO Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards, Sir Paul McCartney, Bruno Mars and Beyonce.  Sport highlights include the Vitality Netball World Cup Liverpool, the GB Judo World Cup, the British Gymnastics Championships, Davis Cup Tennis and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.  The venue will host the 2022 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 stage revealed.

In May, 37 acts will perform for a global audience of millions on the Eurovision stage. Julio Himede, the Set Designer for Eurovision 2023 has based his stage design on the principles of ‘togetherness, celebration and community’.

“The architecture takes inspiration from a wide hug, opening its arms to Ukraine, the show’s performers and guests from across the world. I focused on the cultural aspects and similarities between Ukraine, the UK and specifically Liverpool. From music, dance and art, to architecture and poetry.”

Julio, who has years of experience working on huge events like the GRAMMYs and the MTV EMAs, says: “It is our duty as designers to enhance performances through a compelling visual landscape, while capturing the heart and soul of the Eurovision Song Contest.”

Across more than 450 square metres of staging, this 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.

“We wanted a set design that people will remember for years,” says Andrew Cartmell, Executive Producer of the contest.

“It’s so important to us that the delegations have the greatest possible space to work with. We wanted to give them a set that has lots of options for staging.”

Speaking about the collaboration with Julio, he adds: “Julio is a joy to work with; he’s creative with really innovative designs. We reached out to him because he’s got phenomenal credentials, so that we can all make this a fantastic set design for Liverpool 2023.”

As Eurovision draws closer, Julio describes the opportunity to design its set as ‘an honour’.

“It’s a thrill to know that such a diverse group of talented musicians will be performing on my stage. I’ve had a long history of being a fan of the show and as a young adult, I used to take notice of the impressive stage designs.

“I am excited to celebrate the future winner and to pass the creative baton to the next country.”

Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is United by Music.

The countdown is on and excitement is building.

Right now, the whole Eurovision team across the BBC, along with our Ukrainian counterparts, Liverpool and all our other amazing partners are working together to deliver an unforgettable Eurovision Song Contest for 2023.

The TV shows will be truly special, and it is an honour and a privilege to hold them here in the UK on behalf of our colleagues in Ukraine. We will showcase Ukrainian culture while celebrating the best of British music and creativity and of course Liverpool!. It’s going to be spectacular – we believe it is after all, the greatest show on earth.

One of the most highly anticipated aspect of any Eurovision Song Contest is its visual identity. This sets the tone of the whole Contest and demonstrates the ambition of how it will play out on screens. Each year brings a fresh look and feel, with a unique slogan. It’s one of the first big steps in bringing Eurovision to life.

As a lifelong fan, I always find this ‘reveal’ to be a special moment in the Eurovision calendar. So, I am very proud and excited to announce our slogan for this year’s Contest is United by Music.

THE STAGE. This year’s set design demonstrates how music transcends borders and brings people together. The soaring creation reflects a wide hug, enfolding Liverpool Arena from above and below as it opens its arms to Ukraine.

It connects the stage with performers, the audience and the green room as one structure, creating multiple performance locations for contestants.

Created by New York-based Yellow Studio, it reflects director Julio Himede’s passion for storytelling. His work is characterised by a playful yet poetic approach and a dedication to communicating a clear narrative, including work on projects as diverse as the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, theatre design, art installations and live television productions.

“It’s a wonderful honour to be collaborating with the BBC and the production team to design this year’s Eurovision Song Contest set,” says Himede. “This year’s contest unites Ukraine and the UK to celebrate the unique cultures of both. This immersive approach demonstrates how music can transcend borders and bring people together as one.”

A HYMN TO LOVE AND LONGING. There could be no doubt about the rightful winners of last year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Kalush Orchestra’s electrifying alchemy of hip-hop, electronica and Ukrainian folk lit up the stage in Turin. A hymn to love and longing and the cherished memories of happier times, Stefania captured the hearts of 160 million of us.

As the votes started pouring in from Reykjavík to Baku, one thing was certain – we were witnessing a Eurovision Song Contest classic in the making. When the elements align, as they did so powerfully last May, it’s easy to see why this Song Contest is the greatest show on Earth. For three mesmerising minutes, we were all united by music.

Sadly, after careful consultation with friends and colleagues in Ukraine; the EBU and Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC agreed that the contest couldn’t safely be staged – as is tradition – in the winning country, due to Russia’s illegal invasion.

Instead, after a number of countries expressed an interest in staging the event, the EBU invited the United Kingdom, which finished in second place with Sam Ryder’s anthemic Space Man, to host on behalf of our friends in Ukraine.

From an opening field of 20 towns and cities across the UK, Liverpool’s bid was chosen as the winner, with Glasgow a highly commended second place.

A UNESCO ‘City of Music’, Liverpool is the sixth UK city to host the event, following London (1960, 1963, 1968, 1977), Edinburgh (1972), Brighton – which hosted ABBA’s famous victory in 1974, Harrogate (1982) and Birmingham (1998).

“Liverpool is such an exciting, warm and vibrant city,” said Tim Davie, BBC Director-General. “It’s the undisputed capital of pop music and is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its twinning with the Ukrainian city of Odesa. I know the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe – and the rest of the world – with open arms, and in partnership we will create something truly special.”