As Liverpool becomes the host of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, we take a look at three reasons of the reason’s Event Profs are attracted to the city on the River Mersey.
How will the world’s media and all those thousands of guests get to the event venue for Saturday 13 May’s Eurovision? Liverpool has the infrastructure to support events of this scale.
And, according to Visit Liverpool, the local transport in Liverpool City Region “prides itself on its accessibility making travel around the area easy for all.” The Merseytravel website provides accessibility information on each mode of transport in the area, with access guides and useful contacts.
And alongside fantastic travel links and public transport, the CityBike bicycle hire scheme is also available in the city centre. Liverpool is a compact city centre so is easy to get around by bike and you’ll be able to pack even more into your events. Bike & Go also allows you to hire a bike from participating train stations for a daily fixed rental charge – take it anywhere you like and keep it for the whole day.
Five decades after The Beatles burst onto the world’s music stage, the region still attracts the world to the banks of the Mersey. And the city’s culture is one of the biggest reasons it was chosen to host Eurovision on behalf of the 2022 winners, Ukraine.
In addition to being 2008’s European Capital of Culture, it continually aims to capitalise on its creative economy (www.cultureliverpool.co.uk). And in 2015, Liverpool was designated a UNESCO Music City, validating that Liverpool and music are synonymous. It’s not just the Beatles and Eurovision’s 1993 runner-up Sonia. The city has an influential music history that reaches back to the 18th century when the city developed into one of the world’s great ports. The port brought a level of cultural diversity and genres still going strong today.
Merseyside’s contribution to the world of pop is vast too. Think Atomic Kitten, Dead or Alive, Echo & The Bunnymen, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Mel C, Orchestral Manoeuvres in The Dark, Space, The Lightning Seeds, and The Mighty WAH!
Speaking about the region’s culture, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The Liverpool City Region is the UK’s cultural capital – home to a flourishing music scene that has been entertaining and inspiring the world for decades. It is a massive part of our identity, and we are a proud UNESCO City of Music. It’s safe to say that Liverpool wouldn’t be Liverpool without music – and music wouldn’t be music without Liverpool.
“No region in the UK has had more number one hits – and nowhere can throw a party quite like us. I can think of nowhere more qualified, more experienced or more fitting to host the Eurovision than the Liverpool City Region.”
One of Liverpool’s multitude of cultural attractions is it’s River of Light. In 2022, between 21 October and 6 November, the outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool Waterfront will be lit daily from 5PM until 9PM. Ten artworks across a 2KM loop feature light and sound from local, national and international artists. Find out more about it in this Event Industry News interview with Creative Director of Culture Liverpool…
If you’ve read any of the reasons that Liverpool was selected following its bid for 2023 Eurovision, you’ll know the venue helped it stand out. As it should be for any event choice. For the Liverpool Arena, its facilities; the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists, all helped.
Liverpool hosts a mighty seection of meeting and event venues, including many EDGE licencees. Here’s a selection of those available to you:
Right in the heart of the business district, the venue is a short stroll from all of Liverpool’s main attractions. Its 194 smart and stylish rooms and suites feature free Wi-Fi. Experience its unique twist on the classic British Brasserie in the Collage restaurant. The property also offer secure, valet parking, but spaces get snapped up fast on a first come, first served basis.
MEETING ROOMS: 9
BEDROOMS: 194
TRAVEL: Liverpool John Lennon Airport (9.20 miles)
Perfectly situated for everything the city has to offer, in the beating heart of Liverpool’s legendary Ropewalks area, the surrounding cobbled streets are lined with an eclectic selection of eating establishments, conversation-starting art spaces, independent bars, music venues, and renovated warehouses. The Museum Quarter and the Albert Dock are also just moments away. The venue’s superbly comfortable, highly equipped bedrooms are perfect to unwind and recharge as night falls.
BEDROOMS: 106
TRAVEL: Liverpool John Lennon Airport (9.20 miles)
ACC Liverpool, part of the Liverpool event campus, features an interconnected arena, convention and exhibition centre – beautifully positioned on the banks of the city’s waterfront. With almost 15 years’ experience in event delivery, and a strong venue team passionate about conferences, and exhibitions, the conference centre has matured into one of the most well-connected event destinations in the UK.
BEDROOMS: 658
TRAVEL: Nearest airport 31mins
MEETING ROOMS: 29
With many of the conference rooms overlooking the racecourse, Aintree has a capacity of up to 600 delegates. Aintree is located on the A59, with links to major motorways through the M57 and M58. Liverpool airport is just 17 miles away and Manchester airport a 45 minute drive. Aintree train station is within 5 minutes walking distance and the city centre only a 15 minute journey by both train and car. Parking is free of charge with up to 1000 spaces.
TRAVEL: Nearest airport 31mins
MEETING ROOMS: 54
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