Two trains carrying 170 Eurovision song contest superfans were given a rapturous welcome into Liverpool Lime Street station by drag queens, drummers and dancers.
The Avanti West Coast Progress Train from London Euston and Eurovision 2023 branded London Northwestern Railway service from Birmingham New Street both arrived into Liverpool Lime Street station shortly after 2pm this afternoon (Tuesday 9 May).
The welcoming party, organised by Liverpool City Council, included members of the Katumba drumming group, drag queens, and roller-skating jellyfish, alongside Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor for Liverpool City Region, Cllr Roy Gladden, Lord Mayor of Liverpool and Stuart Andrew MP, Culture Minister.
The superfans invited on the trains, 120 on the Avanti West Coast service and 50 on the London Northwestern Railway train, are all UK members of OGAE*, which is an international network of affiliated Eurovision fan clubs.
Kyla Thomas, Network Rail Liverpool Lime Street station manager, said: “The city is absolutely buzzing after Eurovision week kicked off on Sunday and we helped thousands of people through the station, and today we were proud to welcome two special trains with very important passengers from OGAE UK.
“Liverpool City Council put on an amazing spectacle to welcome our Eurovision guests, and both Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway got them here in true party style. I’d like to remind anyone coming to the city this week to remember to carefully plan their journeys by checking National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information.”
Simon Bennett, OGAE president, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnered with Avanti West Coast and to give our members a chance to travel to Liverpool in style.
“The atmosphere in Liverpool is already fantastic but this means our members can get the party started even before they arrive in the city.”
Nicola Ryder, Avanti West Coast commercial partnerships manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud to play our part in getting this group of dedicated fans to and from Eurovision.
“Liverpool always guarantees a friendly welcome and it’s the home of so many great musicians over the years, making it the perfect venue to host this year’s event on behalf of the people of Ukraine.
“The atmosphere on the journey north was amazing and we have no doubt our guests will have a Eurovision to remember.”
Jonny Wiseman, London Northwestern Railway customer experience director,said: “I am delighted we have been able to celebrate the UK hosting Eurovision for the first time in a quarter of a century by wrapping one of our Class 350 trains in the distinctive official branding.
“Like the railway, Eurovision is about bringing people together and we are thrilled to play our part in this major international celebration.”
Passengers are reminded of industrial action this Friday and Saturday which will affect mainline rail travel into the city this weekend.
People are urged to check with their individual train operators and follow their advice:
- Avanti West Coast’s information page
- Northern’s information page
- TransPennine Express’ information page
- East Midlands Railway’s information page
- Transport for Wales’ information page
The Merseyrail network will be open as usual and not impacted by the strikes on either day.
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