Liverpool emerged victorious, besting Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield, and will host the massive, globally-watched competition in the spring of 2018.

The BBC has confirmed that Liverpool will host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

It defeated Glasgow to gain the opportunity to host the show, which will take place on 13 May 2023.

The Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra won this year’s competition, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) deemed it hazardous for Ukraine to host next year’s competition.

The announcement was made live on The One Show by BBC commentator Graham Norton, who was representing the United Kingdom.

The EBU stated in a statement that Liverpool, which is twinned with the Ukrainian city of Odesa, “was chosen following a strong city bid process that examined, amongst other criteria, the facilities at the venue, the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans, and journalists, infrastructure, and the cultural offer of the Host City in reflecting Ukraine’s win in 2022.”

Martin Osterdahl, the president of the Eurovision Song Contest, added that the city was the “perfect venue” to host the competition next year and that the arena in Liverpool “exceeds all the requirements” to host the event.

In response to the announcement, Kalush Orchestra stated, “We are delighted that next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool.

Although we have not yet had the opportunity to visit, the city’s musical tradition is well-known throughout the world. Playing in the same venue where The Beatles began their careers will be a moment we will never forget!

“Although we are disappointed that next year’s competition cannot be held in our country, we are confident that the people of Liverpool will be welcoming hosts and that the organizers will be able to give Eurovision 2023 a truly Ukrainian flavor in this city.”

After the announcement, Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan also thanked Liverpool, stating, “Huge congratulations to Liverpool. The city adores music and knows how to throw a party, so I do not doubt that it will stage a great event for tens of thousands of attendees.

“Because of (Vladimir) Putin’s illegitimate conflict, the competition cannot be held in Ukraine, but Eurovision brings people together, and I am confident that Liverpool will honor the nation’s culture and creativity with an unforgettable event.”