The official Eurovision Song Contest week in Liverpool boasts an unprecedented number of activities and events to enjoy.
The EuroFestival alone is the first of its kind; a jaw-dropping collaborative effort between Ukraine and Liverpool to represent both nations' music, art and culture. With the EuroClub and EuroVillage also in place to pad out the event, there's no shortage of events for fans to enjoy.
For fans who were lucky enough to beat the Ticketmaster chaos, my advice is to attend the shows at the M&S Arena. The jury, family and live broadcast events will be an experience of a lifetime and you should enjoy every second of them.
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For those still unsure of what to do around Liverpool, we've put together a suggestive itinerary to make the most of your week in the city.
Monday, May 8
Monday marks the official start of Eurovision week. The EuroVillage is already up and running and the majority of fans have flocked to the city by this stage. Following the fallout from the Turquoise Carpter and the National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome party, you might want to take it steady.
If you venture to Chavasse Park, located at the top of Liverpool One, you can relax on the grass and soak up the Eurocamp experience. For the launch of a three-day programme, Black Gold Arts, an LGBTQI+ focussed event featuring drag, music and art, will take to the stage for an unforgettable performance putting black and queer art first. The Clubhouse is just a few feet away from the stage and is also offering its own array of Eurovision music and performances so if you're looking for somewhere to spend your day, this is it.
Joker Out, this year's Slovenian entry, is performing at the EuroClub Monday evening. They're a standout act not just in terms of performance and showmanship but for their connectivity with the audience and overall playfulness. The band is easily one of this year's must-see acts.
Across the city at the EuroVillage is a stellar lineup of Ukrainian talent - Antytila, Go_A, Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil. All three are expected to blow the roof off the Pier Head and those already familiar with Go_A will know you're in for a treat.
Tuesday, May 9
Tuseday is the perfect time to soak up one of the many attractions put together as part of the EuroFestival commission lineup. The theme of unity and heart from Ukrainian communities can be felt throughout absolutely everything, from the dazzling art installations to the more sombre video tours touching on the devastating war and the courage of the Ukrainian people.
A few big hitters include following the Soloveiko Songbird trail that will lead you to the Protect the Beats monument, stopping by the Sound of Freedom mural, and ending the tour with the second day of Eurocamp at Chavasse Park, featuring an array of drag performers.
Tuesday marks the first semi final broadcast and there are quite a few heavy hitters going head-to-head. If you don't have a ticket for the arena show, the EuroVillage is an absolute must to watch the bloodshed and chaos unfold.
Wednesday, May 10,
Homovision rounds out the Eurocamp festivities with a cabaret celebrating all things queer and Eurovision. While in the city centre, you should visit the Pysanky Eggs on Liverpool One's ground floor. Eight larger-than-life eggs were crafted by school children across the region to tap into Ukrainian arts as a part of the EuroLearn programme.
EuroVillage organisers have teased "an evening of breakout stars and music icons" so it's well worth your time finding out who they may be! Once you've had your fill, you have to visit the EuroClub to experience the legendary Eurovision 2014 winner Conchita Wurst command the stage in person.
Thursday, May 11
This is the first instance you have the daytime entirely free so why not soak up all of the music and culture Liverpool itself has to offer? The city boasts a long lineage of talent and it's nowhere more prevalent than Matthew Street, the home of The Beatles. There's a range of museums, tourist attractions and bars all within a 100ft radius so you won't have far to travel to enjoy the street known around the world.
Before screening the second semi final live, Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala will perform the world premiere of her brand new album, QIRIM, inspired by the folk songs of her native Crimea, performed alongside the BBC Philharmonic at the EuroVillage.
Of course, you should stick around for the second semi final broadcast to see which acts round out our Eurovision 2023 final lineup.
Friday, May 12
Lovingly classed as Euroeve, Friday is the calm before the storm. If you want to take it easy and recover some energy, check out one of the dozens of continental food places located on Bold Street, the home of independent restaurants. What better way to chase it up than an evening at the theatre and luckily you have two options for the evening; Storyville Live at the Everyman Cinema, Metquarter, or You’re A Vision! at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre.
If you fancy going full steam ahead over the weekend, kick things off with a throwback session at the EuroVillage hosted by Sophie Ellis Bextor and Charlotte Church who headline the Pop Dungeon. For something a little heavier, Concert Square, the epicentre of Liverpool's nightlife, is holding a full weekend of Eurovision celebrations that will carry you right through until 6 am.
Saturday, May 13
The big day. The entire city will go all out with Eurovision celebrations, from Paradise Street blasting classic tracks to every venue, bar and restaurant getting in on the action in some way.
Aside from the arena for the main event, the places to be are one of the many fanzines across the city: Concert Square, Baltic Triangle, EuroClub or EuroVillage. It doesn't really matter where you decide to visit because most places are holding parties or at the very least hosting screenings of the contest as it goes down.
Following the crowning, head over to the Pride Quarter to soak up a range of atmospheres from cabaret and clubs to bars and pubs. It will no doubt be the party hotpsot for the Grand Final and the best thing about it is some venues don't close until 7 am!
Sunday, May 14
Sunday could very well be your last chance to visit one of the many museums and theatres in Liverpool's culture quarter, St George's Square. The Central Library, World Museum and Walker Art Gallery are all holding Eurovision-themed exhibitions to celebrate the contest, running alongside their already spectacular installations.
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