Liverpool has officially handed over the symbolic key to Eurovision during a ceremony in Sweden.
On behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, Liverpool hosted the song contest last year. It was won by Sweden, whose city Malmo is now preparing to play host to this year’s event.
Last night, metro mayor Steve Rotheram handed over the key, which is the shape of an anchor heart – the symbol of Odesa, Liverpool’s sister city in Ukraine.
Part of the anchor is replaced with Liver Birds, the ‘iconic symbol’ of Liverpool, and the key also features a yellow submarine, dazzle ferry, vinyl record, and the Liver building.
It was designed by Merseyside artist Neal Keating and created by three artists from across the region.
Ahead of the ceremony, Mr Rotheram said: ‘Our time in the spotlight might be coming to a close, however, I am more confident than ever that the legacy we have built will live long in people’s hearts and minds.’
