Liverpool has been chosen to host the first Eurovision Song Contest held in the UK for 25 years.
The home of The Beatles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and The Wombats will stage the spectacular event on 13 May after beating off competition from Glasgow.
The show is coming to the UK after this year’s winner, Ukraine, could not take up hosting duties due to the war.
In a message to Ukraine, Liverpool’s mayor said the event at the M&S Bank Arena would “do you proud.”
Joanne Anderson said the city “faced strong competition from Glasgow,” but she was “over the moon”.
“This is a massive event, and the eyes of the world will be on us in May, especially those of our friends in Ukraine,” she said.
“Now begins months of work to put on the best party ever. Ukraine – you have my promise we will do you proud.”
Claire McColgan, director of the city council’s Culture Liverpool, told BBC News: “It feels like the whole city kind of jumped in the air at the same time tonight.”
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss said Liverpool would “put on an unforgettable show which celebrates Ukraine’s rich culture and creativity”.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan added: “The city loves music and knows how to throw a party, so I’ve no doubt it will host a spectacular experience for the thousands in attendance and millions watching at home on the BBC.”
Merseyside pop star Sonia agreed, who came second for the UK at Eurovision in 1993. She told the BBC’s One Show: “Scousers know how to party, and we’re going to have the biggest party ever.
Some fans watched the announcement on screens at Liverpool’s famous Masquerade drag bar, where DJ Candi Take-It celebrated by playing Sir Cliff Richard’s 1968 Eurovision classic Congratulations.
“Anything that brings investment into the city has got to be good, hasn’t it?” she said afterwards.
“We’re only hosting Eurovision to support Ukraine, aren’t we? Because we didn’t win it [this year]. The UK has decided to do that, and I’m glad Liverpool won it and sorry for Glasgow. Sort of!”
Friday’s announcement came after a hotly-contested bidding process, which saw 20 possible host cities cut to a final two.
Glasgow had been the bookies’ favourite, but Liverpool can now expect thousands of visitors and a slice of the global spotlight in May. Around 160 million TV viewers worldwide watched this year’s show live.
The UK has hosted Eurovision eight times, most recently in Birmingham in 1998. But 2023 will be the first time the contest has been in Liverpool.
A winning country hosts typically the following year’s contest, but Essex singer Sam Ryder’s second-placed finish this May led the UK to be asked to step in because of the war in Ukraine.
Last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra, will be on stage in Liverpool next year and said on Friday: “Playing in the same place that The Beatles started will be a moment we’ll never forget.
“Although we are sad that next year’s competition cannot take place in our homeland, we know that the people of Liverpool will be warm hosts, and the organisers will be able to add a real Ukrainian flavour to Eurovision 2023 in this city.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulated Liverpool but said she was “gutted” for Glasgow