Turin hands over Eurovision keys to Liverpool in a big ceremony
The official key to the Eurovision Song Contest was handed over from the previous host city of Turin to Liverpool in a solemn ceremony commemorating Ukraine.
Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo and Liverpool mayor, Joanne Anderson, signed the handover, known as Insignia, with a handshake.
The international music show will take place at the 11,000-capacity Liverpool Arena in May, culminating in the final on May 13, after the city was selected to host the competition on behalf of the winners. won 2022 in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.
During the ceremony to be broadcast on BBC Two, Mr Lo Russo told Ms Anderson: “A little piece of advice – enjoy this event, inclusive of all, engaging the whole city, be proud of a stadium an incredible international stage for you, for Ukraine and for peace.”
She thanked him for his kind words, adding: “For me, it started on Sunday when we got together and you talked about all the amazing impact Eurovision has had. for your city.
“I’m really proud to be able to host Eurovision for Liverpool but especially proud to do it on behalf of Ukraine.”
The event, held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, was presented by Rylan Clark and AJ Odudu, who also revealed which country will compete in the semi-finals of the song contest.
A total of 37 countries will participate in this year’s Eurovision, with Ukraine automatically qualifying as the 2022 winner as well as the so-called “big five” United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain – each country received a free ticket for their financial contribution to the event.
It has been announced that 15 countries will perform in the first semi-final on May 9 including Ireland, Serbia, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Croatia, Malta, Sweden, Moldova, Switzerland, Israel , the Netherlands, Finland, Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final on May 11 will see Armenia, Cyprus, Romania, Denmark, Belgium, Iceland, Greece, Estonia, Albania, Australia, Austria, Lithuania, San Marino, Slovenia, Georgia and Poland confront.
Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Liverpool, a volunteer from the Ukrainian community and young people from a local school also assisted the presenters in revealing the semi-final where the big 5 and Ukraine will vote.
One of the volunteers, Anastasia, a Ukrainian refugee, said it was “unforgettable” for her country to win the competition last year, adding: “I’m really happy for the Ukraine and thank you to everyone who supported us in the UK.”
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The Royal Liver Building in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)
The ceremony hall in Liverpool was also decorated with the newly announced branding and slogan for Eurovision 2023, in blue and gold tones in honor of Ukraine.
Earlier on Tuesday, it was revealed that the slogan would be “United By Music” while the artwork depicts hearts beating together in the colors of the flags of Ukraine and Great Britain.
The special handover event opened with welcome speeches from Mr. Lo Russo, Ms. Anderson and Culture Minister Michelle Donelan.
In a video message, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said: “I wish that Eurovision in Liverpool, the legendary city of music, would be remembered as a great musical and cultural event. We will be watching and cheering.”
He added: “I believe the next Eurovision will be held in Ukraine.”
Famous faces of Ukraine also expressed the importance of Liverpool hosting on behalf of the war-torn country in a video.
Among them was Eurovision commentator Timur Miroshnychenko, who said: “Eurovision is love, music and diversity.”
Meanwhile, musician Julia Sanina added that the fusion of the two cultures of Liverpool and Ukraine “would be unbelievable”.
In several other montages, BBC Radio DJ Scott Mills reflected on Eurovision’s importance in the music world and Liverpudlians talked about their excitement at welcoming the song contest to the city. their.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/turin-hands-over-the-keys-of-eurovision-to-liverpool-in-grand-ceremony-42321936.html Turin hands over Eurovision keys to Liverpool in a big ceremony
