With just under 100 days to go until the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Liverpoo, the BBC have shares a first look at the stage design for the M&S Arena in Liverpool
Based on the priniciples of togetherness, celebration and community
This year’s stage has been designed by Julio Himede. It is based on principles of “togetherness, celebration and community”. The inspiration comes from the unique circumstances under which the contest this year is being hosted:
The architecture takes inspiration from a wide hug, opening its arms to Ukraine, the show’s performers and guests from across the world. I focused on the cultural aspects and similarities between Ukraine, the UK and specifically Liverpool. From music, dance and art to architecture and poetry…It is our duty as designers to enhance performances through a compelling visual landscape, while capturing the heart and soul of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Julio Himede
The technical side
This year’s stage is over 450 square metres in size, with a floor featuring over 700 video tiles, and more than 1500 metres of LED lights. Also incorporated into the design are 220 square metres of independently moving and turning video screens. For the first time since 2019, standing capacity returns to the Eurovision arena.
The full action of the stage can be seen in this video rendering released by the BBC.
The full production team behind the 2023 contest can be found here. The contest is a co-production between host broadcaster the BBC and last year’s winning broadcaster, Suspilne.
What we know about Eurovision 2023
Although Ukraine won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, due to the ongoing Russian invasion they are unable to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Instead, the United Kingdom stepped in, as 2022’s runner-up; Liverpool will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest on the 9th, 11th, and 13th of May 2023. The contest will take place at the M&S Arena, with 37 countries taking part.
The semi-final allocation draw took place on the 31st January, and the distribution of each semi-final can be found here!
Are you excited about Eurovision 2023? Will you be watching the semifinal allocation draw? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok as we prepare for Eurovision 2023!
News Source: BBC & EBU
Photo Credit: BBC
