Eurovision – From Flags to Bags

Remember the official Eurovision Song Contest 2023 branding which was emblazoned across Liverpool in the run up to those incredible two weeks in May? Well, it has now been transformed into the ultimate, must-have Eurovision host city merchandise.

More than 100 flags and banners, which adorned key areas of the city centre, have had a unique make-over and have been turned into extremely limited-edition memorabilia from the most successful Eurovision host city ever.

On Friday 24 November a small number of premium tote bags, lightweight shoppers, and two types of small multi-purpose bags will go on sale online only, with all proceeds from the sales going to BBC Children In Need funded projects supporting children and young people in Liverpool.

With prices ranging from £20 to £100, fans will need to be quick to get their hands on the unique, limited number of products, and buyers should be aware that some of the items may be perfectly imperfect, thanks to their former life which saw them proudly flying in the Liverpool skies – so small signs of weathering may be visible on certain products.

All items will be on sale to UK residents from the official BBC Children in Need website from 10am, Friday 24 November – www.bbcchildreninneedshop.co.uk.

Due to the limited amount stock, only one of each item can be purchased per transaction and resale of items is strictly prohibited. 

In Liverpool, BBC Children in Need is currently funding 13 projects to the value of more than £662,000, supporting children and young people who may be facing additional challenges in their lives whether that be children and young people living in poverty, providing emergency support to families in crisis, providing comfort to children feeling sad, lost and alone, helping children overcome social injustice and supporting children to feel safe and secure again.

The merchandise has been made by Banner Bags which specialises in helping organisations upcycle marketing assets.

Just last month, the impact of Liverpool hosting Eurovision was announced, as the first of its kind research found it generated £54million for the Liverpool City Region economy and attracted 473,000 visitors.

Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“When visitors arrived in Liverpool in April and May they knew without a doubt that there had been a Eurovision takeover as the branding was everywhere!  

“Our Culture Liverpool team was flooded with requests from people who were desperate to have a memento of their time in Liverpool and wanted to get their hands on the incredible branding we had produced as a host city.  

“We wanted to make it a fair process and thanks to our great partnership with the BBC, it made sense to make sure all the money raised goes to BBC Children in Need who fund fantastic charity work across the City Region.

“I’m expecting this to be hugely popular so my advice is to be quick if you want the ultimate Eurovison souvenir!”

Presenter of BBC Children in Need and Eurovision Song Content Commentator, Mel Giedroyc said:

“We had an utterly bonkers and brilliant time at Eurovision in May, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am thrilled that there is now going to be a way for the amazing fans to get their hands on a physical piece of history from the occasion – you will not want to miss out! All the money raised from the sales of this exclusive merchandise is going to BBC Children in Need and it will go on to support children and young people facing challenges in Liverpool. It’s a tangible part of the Eurovision 23 legacy – I’m so happy to be involved!”

Claire Hoyle, Director of Income, Marketing & Communications at BBC Children in Need said:

“We are so excited by this special partnership with Liverpool City Council. At BBC Children in Need we support children and young people who are facing incredibly tough challenges in their lives, so a huge thank you to everyone who buys a piece of exclusive Eurovision history to help make a difference.”

Phil Harrold, Chair of the BBC’s Eurovision Steering Committee, said:

“The nation was captivated by Eurovision coming to Liverpool earlier this year, and with a mission to reuse and recycle as much as possible from the event we are delighted to share this project that not only gives people the opportunity to have an exclusive souvenir from the event, it also raises money for the BBC’s charity, Children in Need, and the proceeds will go on to support children and young people in Liverpool – the home of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.”