Liverpool to Host Eurovision 2022

Despite Ukraine’s victory in this year’s Eurovision, the decision was made to hold next year’s competition in the UK, who placed second – our highest finish since 1996 – due to the ongoing Russian invasion. 20 venues from around the UK submitted bids to host Eurovision; from that, seven cities were shortlisted. Eventually, that list was whittled down to just two cities, Liverpool and Glasgow. Ultimately, the former came out on top; Liverpool’s 11,000-capacity M&S Bank Arena will host the 67^th Eurovision song competition.

A UNESCO city of music since 2015, music is undoubtedly one of, if not the, city’s greatest export. Thanks to Liverpool’s ports, access to American records and instruments was much greater than in other parts of the country, therefore, the 1960s saw an explosion of musical talent in the city. With the development of the ‘Merseybeat,’ bands like Gerry and the Pacemakers found great success with their cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone, a song so popular it went on to become the motto of Liverpool Football Club. However, the most famous band to emerge during this period was, unequivocally, the Beatles. John, Paul, George and Ringo would change pop music in less than a decade, and their impact is still as tangible over 50 years later, on not only Liverpool itself, but music all around the world.

The 1980s saw bands such as Echo & the Bunnymen, OMD and Frankie Goes to Hollywood come out of Liverpool, with a larger focus placed on electronic elements. However, with the rise of Britpop in the 1990s, Liverpool was once again at the forefront of genre which saw a return to more guitar-based rock music with bands like the La’s, the Farm and Cast. The 2000s continued this trend with the likes of the Zutons and the Wombats emerging.

Even today, Liverpool is still ubiquitous with an alternative and indie rock sound as bands such as Stone, Courting and Spinn break into the mainstream. Additionally, singer-songwriter Jamie Webster has steadily been rising through the industry, highlighting relatable, working-class struggles in his lyrics while singing in his native accent. The former labourer’s popularity has already led him to a sold-out gig in the M&S Bank Arena, the same venue that’s set to host Eurovision.

With all the focus being placed said arena in the build-up to the competition, it’s easy to forget about the smaller, independent venues which make Liverpool’s music scene thrive. The Arts club, the Jacaranda and the locally renowned Zanzibar club are but a handful of the dozens of venues promoting up and coming local talent whilst also offering young musicians the opportunity to play live for the first time.

As both a scouser and a musician, I find myself in a unique position to really argue Liverpool’s case for hosting the illustrious competition. As detailed, music is a monumental part of my city’s heritage, we already welcome thousands of tourists every week from all over the world who want to visit Paul McCartney’s house or get a picture at Penny Lane. Yet, Liverpool’s connection with music extends beyond tourism. I’ve played in its venues and busked on its streets: I’ve seen first-hand the affinity Liverpool has for music. The city’s constant stream of new musicians and new sounds is a testament to that. The passion for music that permeates Liverpool makes it the perfect choice to host next year’s Eurovision in a competition that will not only be extravagant, but will honour Ukraine too. As Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said “Now begins months of work to put on the best party ever. Ukraine – you have my promise we will do you proud.”