Liverpool's dedication and promises to the Eurovision Song Contest has far exceeded initial expectations.
The EuroFestival lineup was announced in full yesterday, revealing details about 24 unique commissions set to transform the city over the Eurovision period. It's the first of its kind as no other city in the history of the contest has delivered something of this nature or celebrated to this scale.
In attendance for the launch was the Eurovision Minister, Stuart Andrew, who commended the phenomenal work put into the project not just by those in charge but by the city and community as a whole.
READ MORE: Massive Eurovision Song Contest party coming to St George's Hall
Sharing his admiration, Mr Andrew told the Liverpool Echo: "Most countries have a year to plan the Eurovision Song Contest. Here in Liverpool, they've had a much shorter time. They're putting on the biggest best show I've ever seen for Eurovision and have done so phenomenally well, and they've done so because they've worked tirelessly.
"They've not been put off by any ambition. They've been keen to really showcase an amazing city that is able to do something like this. It knows how to party but it's been a great collaboration between DCMS, BBC and Liverpool all falling in the same direction to put on a show that is going to be a great celebration for 160 million people to see but also crucially shows off the important culture for Ukraine as whole."
When quizzed on whether or not this is the biggest Eurovision celebration in history, Mr Andrew added: "From what I can see the answer is yes. This is the first time they've had a EuroFestival and I think that's really good because so many people want to get involved. Not everybody can go to the concert so why not have a big party outside and that's what Liverpool have done, which is wonderful.
"I would say that Liverpool has exceeded its promise. I genuinely believe. When I first heard some of the concepts I thought that were ambitious but now I see them in reality and they've blown my mind and good on them. Well done."
The EuroFestival kicks off on May 1 with a range of cultural and musical performances taking place throughout the city. It will reach its conclusion on May 14, the night after the Eurovision Grand Final.
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