Europe’s favourite song contest

Liverpool calling…

9-13 May, 2023

Where better to celebrate the power of music and unite people of all ages, genders, sexual preferences, ethnicities, religions and geographies than at the world’s largest music competition?

And this year’s song contest is like no other: as we all know, Liverpool won a bid to host on Ukraine’s behalf based on its merits of solidarity, significant musical history, culture and acceptance. It’s sure to be one fabulous musical celebration! Get help planning your Liverpool trip here.

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Party in a UNESCO City of Music.

It’s only fitting that this year’s song contest should be held in Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music and one with a long musical history that goes way beyond 60s Beatlemania.

Get ready for the loudest, wildest, cheekiest and most camp party ever. Oh, and there will probably be some awesome singing too.

Tuesday 9 May – 21:00 CEST

First Semi-Final

Live from Liverpool, United Kingdom

Thursday 11 May – 21:00 CEST

Second Semi-Final

Live from Liverpool, United Kingdom

Saturday 13 May – 21:00 CEST

Grand Final

Live from Liverpool, United Kingdom

The first song contest was held on May 24, 1956 in Lugano, Switzerland. Only seven countries partcipated.

The idea of the contest was to bring all of Europe together in a symbol of solidarity post-WWII and explore the possibilities of then-new television broadcasting.

The 1969 song contest saw a four-way tie between the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and France. Since no tie-breaking rules had been established at that time, all four countries were delcared the winners.

The country that has won the most competitions is Ireland with seven wins, followed closely by Sweden with six victories.

The first major scandal happened in 1957 when two singers representing Denmark kissed for 11 seconds at the end of their act – completely taboo at the time.

You’re going to love Liverpool.

A thriving port, a party city, and a cultural phenomenon, modern Liverpool buzzes with cultural energy and influences from all over the world.

Read up on Liverpool in our travel guide

How to get to Liverpool.

From London, the cheapest way to get to Liverpool is by bus. You can take e.g. the National Express bus, which will get you there in as little as 4h 40m. The train is an even more mindful option and gets you there a bit faster, averaging about 4 hours.

Find transportation to Liverpool

Must do’s when in Liverpool.

Beatles Story exhibition

The award-winning Beatles Story is the world’s largest permanent exhibition for everything Fab Four. George’s first guitar, John’s iconic granny glasses and much, much more are all lovingly on display here.

St. George’s Hall

With its many nooks and crannies, a cavernous basement that was once a jail for the condemned, and concert halls from where Charles Dickens once read, this ornate hall is steeped in history.

Liverpool Cathedral

Dominating Liverpool’s skyline, Britain’s largest and most-photographed church is a beloved treasure. The world’s largest Anglican church boasts the UK’s largest organ.

Walker Art Gallery

This immense gallery has exhibited one of the largest art collections in England and is home to works from Rossetti, Monet, Degas, Rubens and Rembrandt. It also features an arts program for young children.

Tate Liverpool

This gallery has featured retrospectives of the works of Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Its scope embraces both British and international modern and contemporary art.

Liverpool stays that hit the right note for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Search hotels in Liverpool

Titanic Hotel Liverpool

9.2 Wonderful

from £94

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Hard Days Night Hotel

8.4 Very good

from £69

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Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa

8.5 Very good

from £106

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Ph Hostel Liverpool

7.0 Good

from £40

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Novotel Liverpool Centre

8.2 Very good

from £64

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Hotel Indigo Liverpool

8.6 Very good

from £71

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York Street Studios

8.3 Very good

from £89

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Things to do in Liverpool and beyond.

The 10 best things to do in Liverpool

10 fun and fascinating facts about Liverpool

National food in the UK: 15 dishes you have to try

The best things to do in Manchester

A long weekend in Manchester: 3-day itinerary

The 10 best destinations for music lovers

Visit the beaches of Wales and enjoy a trip to remember

Build up a trip to call your own – with Trips.

With Trips, you can keep all your bookings – from flights, stays, car hire, and even restaurants, concerts and activities – in one place for an easy overview. Trips is also great for collaborating with your travel group on the same trip.

Trips is free and optimised for the KAYAK app – create an account now and start planning your next trip.

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See more events, get destination recommendations, read up on travel safety and more on our LGBTQ+ Travel page.

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