The Liverpool 2023 stage for the Eurovision Song Contest was unveiled today during a royal visit by King Charles and the Queen Consort at the M&S Bank Arena.
Their Majesties were given a VIP tour of the venue in addition to the assignment to “light up the room”. Liverpool 2023’s Ukrainian composer Michael Nekrasov’s rendition of the Eurovision Song Contest theme served as the soundtrack for the set’s introduction.
The two met with staff, the creative team, and apprentices preparing the Arena to host the biggest live music event in the world along with Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC. The 67th Eurovision Song Contest staging was then unveiled for the first time as they were invited to light and animate the arena alongside the set designer, sound, and lighting directors.
The royal party also chatted with some of the contest hosts, such as the BBC Radio 2 commentators Rylan and Scott Mills, the Emmy Award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham, and the Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina. They also got to know Mae Muller, who will represent the UK, and Kojo Samuel, who will serve as the competition’s musical director.
The impressive stage, designed by Julio Himede, was built around the ideas of “togetherness, celebration, and community.” The stunning set spans more than 450 square metres of staging, 220 square metres of independently moving and turning video screens, over 700 video tiles built into the floor, and more than 1500 metres of LED lighting.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said:
“It is an honour that His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort have come here today to reveal the fantastic staging for our Eurovision Song Contest programming. This set will be the focal point for all of the celebrations and we cannot wait to see it lighting up Liverpool and TV screens across the world.”
The dates of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest are May 9, 11, and 13. The competition, which is being organised by British broadcaster BBC, will take place in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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