Liverpool predicted to get £40m Eurovision boost in visitor spending

Liverpool is likely to receive a £40m boost as tens of thousands of Eurovision fans descend on the city to celebrate the annual song contest next week.

Liverpool, which saw off Glasgow to be chosen as host after last year’s winners, Ukraine, were unable to hold the event amid Russia’s invasion, is expecting an influx of visitors.

Joanne Anderson, the mayor of Liverpool, has promised the “best party ever” and a campaign is afoot to create the world’s biggest sing-along – to the Beatles’ With a Little Help from My Friends – on the day of the final as an expression of solidarity with Ukraine.

“Not only will people across the globe be watching this iconic event, but we also expect 100,000 extra visitors staying and enjoying our fantastic region, which of course means a huge boost in visitor spending,” said Janice Mears, head of business growth at the Liverpool City Region Growth Company.

The city’s moment as the “world capital of pop” is expected to generate about £28m in spending from overseas tourists visiting Liverpool, while visitors from around the UK will add at least a further £12m.

The forecast by NatWest bank, which drew on domestic and international visitor spending data from Visit Britain, includes spend on hotels, accommodation and entertainment.

The semi-finals of the 67th Eurovision song contest will take place on 9 and 11 May, with the final on 13 May.

UK Hospitality has estimated that a combination of the King Charles’s coronation, a string of bank holidays, and the Eurovision competition could provide a bumper £1bn boost for the sector this month.

“May has the potential to be a historic month for the hospitality sector, which is set for one of its busiest times in recent memory,” said Kate Nicholls, chief executive at the industry body.

“We know the British public turn out in their droves for big events and we expect the coronation and Eurovision to be no different.”