The 400+-strong team of volunteers who provided an unforgettable welcome for what is regarded as the most successful Eurovision Song Contest ever are being given a special civic thank you.
Liverpool’s amazing Eurovols – who for three weeks donned their eye-catching yellow uniform and welcomed visitors from across the world – will attend a ‘Thank You’ event at St George’s Hall on Tuesday 27 June.
Ranging from 18 to 81 years of age, 475 people dedicated 12,000 hours of volunteering across the Eurovision period, working a total of 350 shifts. The roles were located across the city centre, at the Tourist Information Centre in Liverpool ONE, at the Eurovision Village on the Pier Head and at key transport hubs.
The majority of volunteers lived in the North West of England (90 per cent) and more than 30 of them were Ukrainian. In a commitment to upskilling and legacy, all volunteers received training on Disability & Neurodiversity, Intercultural Communication, LGBTQ+ Inclusion, first aid training, sessions on tourism and security training from Merseyside Police.
In a post event survey, of those who responded, more than 90 per cent rated their experience as ‘excellent’ and they would consider volunteering again.
Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Rasmussen, will join the city’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, in a celebration of the vital role they played in Liverpool’s globally acknowledged Eurovison host city success.
The volunteers will be presented with an official certificate to recognise their contribution and will have the chance to share their unique experiences with fellow EuroVols. They will also gather on the steps of St George’s Hall for an official photo capturing the EuroVols Class of 2023!
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is hailed as the most successful host city programme ever, with early indications showing an additional 500,000 visitors were attracted to the city during the first two weeks of May, bringing in millions of pounds to the local economy.
Evaluation of the impact of Eurovision Song Contest, which will include more detail about the diversity and inclusivity of the volunteering programme and its legacy, is currently taking place, with the initial findings expected to be ready in July.
A gallery of images from Liverpool’s Eurovision host city events are available on the Visit Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“Our EuroVols were perfect ambassadors for Liverpool and for Eurovision and they were at the heart of this event which will go down in Liverpool’s history as a real stand-out moment.
“It seemed like they were everywhere and were always on hand to welcome people, answer questions and offer any advice or guidance.
“We’ve already had amazing feedback from visitors and delegations who have said the EuroVols just added to the incredible city experience – going above and beyond to make sure that renowned Liverpool warmth was felt by all and also to ensure they city was doing Ukraine proud at all times.
“The volunteers themselves have been so grateful to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, meeting new people, gaining skills and making unforgettable memories. I’m looking forward to thanking them all in person and hearing as many of their fantastic Eurovision stories as possible.”
And here is what some of the EuroVols had to say:
“Seeing Liverpool getting recognised for what we see every day, kindness welcoming love, was just amazing. To be able to stand with Ukraine and show the world how to throw a party was spectacular and it was an honour to be part of the atmosphere, the music and the culture.” – Kirsty Swift
“An absolute top ten life experience. Volunteering was the best paid job in terms of smiles given and received. Thank you forever.” – David Marsh
“I believe it is extremely important to show pride in the place I was born and grew up. I have done this across many years through volunteering for many local organisations.
Some friends, family and colleagues think I’m crazy to work unpaid but I explain that I am rewarded with lots of satisfaction from working with like-minded people as well as the satisfaction of passing on my knowledge of our great city to locals and visitors from near and far. I like to receive knowledge from others too.” – Helen Ryan
“When there is global volatility, Eurovision bridges the international community together through music. Music can be seen as a language. A language universally understood to express emotions and culture. Together as Eurovision Volunteers, we have an experience that we all share. We made Eurovision happen. We created history.” – Josh Knox
“Eurovision already lived in Liverpool: big hair, fake tan, amazing fashion and great music. We just made sure the whole of Europe (and the world) know it. The perfect amalgamation of scouse charm and Eurovision madness.
So many people have asked me what Eurovision was like and have loved the pictures and socials going around and the most common quote said to me was “it looked amazing” and it really was.” – Sarah Doyle
“A story I will never forget. The people I met, showing everyone our wonderful city. The laughs and so many photos taken. Eurovision was amazing. I wish we could do it all again.” – Louise Kirkham
“It was the best experience of my life. I didn’t expect to meet so many amazing people and work alongside some of the best, funniest, vibrant people. I was so proud of my city every day I put on that yellow jacket I felt pride I felt honour and I felt a part of something special. Eurovision 2023 will forever be one of the best experiences of my life.” – Lisa Lee Tartt
“As a born and bred scouser I wanted to be a part of showcasing our beautiful city to visitors from across the world. The experience went beyond my expectations as a first time volunteer. When I took off my Eurovol uniform at the end of my final shift on the 14th May, I felt so sad that it was the end of such an iconic, successful two weeks. However, I also felt an enormous sense of pride and confidence knowing that all the Eurovols had done Liverpool so proud. Speaking to so many people at Lime Street station leaving the city the day after the final, I was assured that the impact of Eurovision 2023 would last many many years as people assured me they would be back!” – Sharon Hall
“Words spoken to me from people from Eurovision itself, was how ‘friendly, welcoming and open’ we all were to everyone coming into the city, but most memorable of all was they said they had fallen in love with Liverpool. For me, it was an honour to show off the city to the world.” – Diane Lataweic
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