When is Eurovision 2023? Everything we know about the contest in Liverpool
The UK is hosting the song contest for a record-breaking ninth time
The UK is preparing to host the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 25 years.
The singing extravaganza will be staged in Liverpool on behalf of war-torn Ukraine.
As anticipation mounts, here is everything you need to know about Eurovision 2023.
When is Eurovision 2023?
The Eurovision 2023 final will take place on Saturday, 13 May, following two semi-finals on Tuesday, 9 May and Thursday, 11 May.
All three events will take place at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena, which has a capacity of 11,000.
Why is the UK hosting Eurovision?
Ukraine's entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at last year's competition in Turin, Italy, with the UK's Sam Ryder finishing second.
But Eurovision organisers decided the event could not take place in Ukraine due to Russia's war in the country.
Read more: How many times has the UK won Eurovision?
As a result, the UK was offered the chance to host Eurovision for a record-breaking ninth time.
Liverpool beat six other shortlisted cities, including Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle, to be named the host city.
Eurovision hasn't taken place in the UK since 1998, when Birmingham assumed hosting duties.
Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the 'Big Five' nations – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Liverpool mayor Joanne Anderson said the city would throw the "best party ever" in honour of Ukraine.
Culture secretary Michelle Donelan added: "The BBC are working very closely with creatives from Ukraine and making sure that it is testament to them.
"This is their victory that we're celebrating this year. We're hosting it on behalf of them."
The slogan of this year's event is 'United By Music', which the BBC said "reflects the power of music to bring people together".
The event's official artwork shows hearts beating together in the colours of the Ukrainian and UK flags.
Meanwhile, the stage design was inspired from "a wide hug" to give the impression of "opening its arms to Ukraine", according to the BBC.
When will tickets go on sale?
Organisers have yet to announce any details on how to apply for tickets, which are expected to be allocated by ballot.
Watch: When is Eurovision 2023?