Eurovision 2024: Hosting duties have officially passed to Sweden

The Eurovision key was designed to reflect Liverpool's ties with Ukraine

The official handover for the Eurovision Song Contest has taken place, with Liverpool handing over a symbolic key to Eurovision in a ceremony in Malmo, Sweden.

Liverpool city hosted the 2023 song contest event on behalf of Ukraine as it was unable to be held in the country due to the ongoing war with Russia.

The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday night, ahead of ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 semi-final draw.

The 30cm key was created by three artists across the region, decorated in Eurovision colours and includes the 'United By Music' theme from last year's contest.

It also shows the famous Liver Birds, a yellow submarine - a nod to the song by The Beatles - and a vinyl record, to mark Liverpool's Unesco City of Music status.

The semi-finals for the 2024 Song Contest will take place on 7 and 9 May, before the main Grand Final on 11 May 2024.

Sweden's Loreen won the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest

Sweden is hosting this year's Eurovision after Loreen won with her pop anthem Tattoo.

It was her second Eurovision victory, having previously won in 2012.

Liverpool's Mayor Steve Rotheram said he hoped the city could continue to build and share a relationship with the city of Malmo.

Who is representing the UK in Eurovision 2024?

Olly Alexander will be the act sent by the United Kingdom to perform at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The pop star made the announcement during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing final.

He said he was so excited, adding: "I love Eurovision so much, it's a dream come true."

Full details have yet to be revealed about the song, but Olly has assured fans it would be "something you can dance to".

Song hints

The news was revealed months before the BBC usually confirms its Eurovision plans, so lots of details have yet to be released.

The song Olly will perform is still under wraps - but was co-written by Alexander and Danny L Harle, who has produced hits for the likes of Dua Lipa, Chic and Charli XCX.

"It's gonna be electronic, something you can dance to," Olly said. "But I can't say much more than that."

"I've loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I'm beyond excited to be taking part next year," he added.

"I really can't believe I'm going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK."

Who is Olly Alexander?

Olly Alexander is a multi-award winning singer and actor from Harrogate in North Yorkshire.

He was the frontman of the band Years and Years, known for hits including Desire, King and If You're Over Me.

Olly has headlined arenas and festivals worldwide and collaborated with other artists such as Kylie Minogue and Sir Elton John.

Olly is also a Bafta-nominated actor.