Southport well placed to support Liverpool Eurovision Bid says Damien Moore MP

Local MP Damien Moore has announced his backing for Liverpool’s bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest, and has set out the support which Southport could offer.

The competition was due to be held in Ukraine, the winners of this year’s contest, but due to the ongoing conflict it has been agreed that the UK will host Eurovision next year on their behalf.

The BBC and European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have announced that seven cities have been shortlisted to host the competition: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield.

Time is now being taken by each to develop plans on how they would celebrate the event in a way which reflects Ukrainian culture, music, and communities. Liverpool must also demonstrate that it has the necessary venue, accommodation, and transport infrastructure necessary to cope with such a large international event. A final decision expected to be made in Autumn.

Mr. Moore has said that Southport, which has reliable and regular transport links to Liverpool City Centre, would be well-placed to take-in the thousands of international visitors expected at the competition.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said:

“It is disappointing that Ukraine will be unable to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, but I am pleased to see that Liverpool has been shortlisted to hold the event on their behalf.

“I am 100% supportive of this bid and I know that Southport, home to countless hospitality and accommodation businesses, would be well-placed to welcome those visiting the region from around the world – including from Ukraine.

“In 2017, over 230,000 visitors came to our town to attend The Open at the Royal Birkdale, which broke records as the largest Championship held in England.

“A key part of Liverpool’s bid will focus upon how they would accommodate the thousands of international visitors expected at Eurovision, and I know that this is an area in which Southport can step-up and provide support.

“I wish the teams developing the bid the best of success, and as Southport’s MP I stand ready to provide any support I can.”