Liverpool calling...we want to make sure you have a wonderful time in our city
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This week Merseyside Police is gearing up to help welcome the tens of thousands of Eurovision fans as they arrive in Liverpool for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Since the announcement last October that the city will be hosting the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, the excitement has been building and this year’s contest is expected to attract more than 160 million television viewers, as well as the crowds who will be enjoying the huge celebrations that will be taking place at various venues across the city centre and the Merseyside region.
Merseyside Police has played a key role in the planning for this incredible event, and we have been working with partners including the BBC, ACC Liverpool, MerseyTravel, British Transport Police and Liverpool City council to ensure that all fans and visitors have an amazing and memorable time enjoying Eurovision and the different events lined up in the city during the nine-day extravaganza.
Chief Superintendent Jonathan Davies, Police Tactical Commander for Eurovision 2023 said: "The Eurovision Song Contest being held in Liverpool is a huge moment for the city. It’s been 25 years since the UK hosted the competition, so it is an absolute honour that our city was chosen to host this event on behalf of Ukraine.
"It is important to acknowledge our policing role in this event and despite it being the biggest policing operation we have ever done here in Merseyside, we are confident we have a robust policing plan in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
"Hosting on behalf of Ukraine has presented some unique challenges whilst completing our preparation but we are confident we have the plans and processes in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant, or ongoing disruption, to event visitors to the city, local residents and businesses.
“We are expecting large numbers of people to head into Liverpool city centre to experience our bars, clubs and restaurants and we want all our visitors to know that we will not tolerate any violence, antisocial behaviour or hate crimes. We are linked in with CCTV operators and working closely with door staff, licensees and bar staff to help us identify these crimes if they do happen, but I would ask if anyone witnesses themselves, that they speak to a member of staff or police officer to highlight any concerns or issues and report any incidents."
Chief Superintendent Jonathan Davies added: "There will be a visible armed presence, but I would like to reassure visitors that this is not in response to any direct threat but just as part of our normal reassurance for everyone enjoying the festivities.
“We appreciate that this will be the first time that a lot of people will be visiting our city and so we want people to make sure their visit is memorable for all the right reasons. Therefore, we ask that people take steps to protecting their own safety by not leaving your property, including bags and mobile phones, unattended and always keep valuables close.
“Finally, public transport is expected to be very busy, which may well be further impacted by the national strikes which are scheduled to take place. As a result, we would just like to ask where possible, you try to plan your journey in advance so you know the route you plan to take and regularly check timetables, especially in the evenings. Information on buses and trains is available on the Merseytravel website - www.merseytravel.gov.uk, the Merseyrail website - www.merseyrail.org and via Twitter at @merseytravel or @merseyrail.
“So, it doesn’t matter which country you’re backing in this year’s competition or whichever festivities you’re taking part in, our officers will be out and about to make sure that everyone can enjoy themselves. Have fun, look after each other and remember to report any incidents to our officers.”