Liverpool ONE is set to kick-start its Eurovision celebrations, with a schedule packed full of music, art and community lined up.
With less than eight weeks to go until the city hosts the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, the retail and leisure destination has unveiled its calendar of events, championing local talent and culture.
Liverpool ONE has launched its countdown to the iconic event, which takes place on 13 May, with the return of the much-loved floral displays, which set the scene for the arrival of multiple initiatives taking over the estate in the run up to Eurovision.
In place until 14 May, this year’s floral displays give a special nod to Eurovision, with the Ukrainian flag colours, blue and yellow, used across the installations, created in collaboration with award-winning floral design team, Poppy Belle Florals.
Complementing the floral displays, a collection of mirrors have also been installed in Peter’s Square, as the perfect selfie spot to experience the full vinyl takeover of the square by local printmaker and animator, Rosa Kusabbi.
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “This year, it’s extra special as we prepare for the arrival of Eurovision.
“Anyone living or working across the Liverpool City Region will know there’s already an amazing buzz as we get ready for the main event, so we’re thrilled to be launching the majority of our plans for Eurovision and kick-starting them with our floral installations across Liverpool ONE.”
Also set to arrive at Liverpool ONE will be an array of decorated eggs, each one designed by local artists working with schoolchildren and Ukrainian refugees. Hundreds of schools applied to be involved in the project across Liverpool City Region.
The seven eggs, which are currently being created in conjunction with Culture Liverpool as part of EuroLearn, will embody the theme of ‘United by Music’ and form a special public art display for families to enjoy during the Easter school holidays and in the run-up to Eurovision.
The display, which will be unveiled on 30 March, will showcase the talent of local artists working with youngsters from across the Liverpool City Region, as well as the Ukrainian community, paying tribute to the Ukrainian tradition of egg painting, known as ‘pysanka’, which is a central part of Ukrainian culture around Easter.
In addition, from April giant flags from each competing country in Eurovision will be fitted at Liverpool ONE, with brand new decorations commissioned, working with artists including Liverpool-based Jazz Stan and Ukrainian freehand artist Myro, to name just a few.
The tourist information centre at Liverpool ONE will become the central hub for all things Eurovision, including information about the whole city region.
And, if that wasn’t enough, Liverpool ONE’s famous piano festival, Tickle the Ivories, will be making a special pop-up appearance for three weeks, in a bid to champion local talent and fill the streets of Liverpool city centre with symphonies of every genre, from classical through to dance music in the run up to Eurovision.
Young Ukrainian talent Alisa Bushuieva will be performing on the inaugural day of the return of Tickle the Ivories.
From 26 April, five pianos will be placed across Liverpool ONE, encouraging both amateur and professional players to showcase their skills on the keys, while Eurovision hits will be streamed from speakers across Paradise Street.
Music and dance will take over Chavasse Park in the week of Eurovision with staged performances planned in partnership with LIPA, LIPA Sixth Form and Liverpool City College, plus extra surprises to be announced soon!
Donna added: “Since it was confirmed that Liverpool would be hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine, we’ve been busy putting together our calendar of events working with city partners, artist and community groups.
“We strive to place community and culture at the heart of everything we do, so it was vital that our Eurovision schedule had these things in abundance. We are also working on the legacy post-Eurovision and how such a major event can influence the transformation of spaces and wellbeing opportunities across Liverpool ONE.
“From working with the Ukrainian community and schoolchildren to create the beautiful decorated egg display, to welcoming back Tickle the Ivories a little earlier than usual, we’re excited to be a part of the excitement and we can’t wait to welcome international visitors to Liverpool ONE as we all count down to this incredible event!”
For more information about Liverpool, ONE, visit: www.liverpool-one.com.
