A Lancaster firm has a major role in the 'biggest security operation in the history of Liverpool' as a week of Eurovision Song Contest celebrations got under way.
A team from FGH Security were at St George's Hall in the city for the 'Turquoise Carpet' reception for the global singing contest, which takes place in the UK for the first time in 25 years on Saturday.
Local FGH staff included Peter Harrison (managing director), Amy Stanley (head of festivals and events), Ben Clifton (assistant security manager, pictured below), Dave Taylor and Tim Ratcliffe.
The opening ceremony was attended by around 25,000 people and saw competing acts from 37 countries introduced to the fans.
Pop music acts Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Lightning Seeds and Atomic Kitten also performed.
FGH has the contract for providing security for two weeks of events taking place around the city.
The security operation for the event has been described as the biggest in the city's history.
Liverpool is hosting the contest on behalf of Ukraine, who won last year but who are unable to host the event due to the ongoing war with Russia.
A post on the FGH Security Facebook page said: "Our incredible team of safety stewards and security will begin the task of #KeepingPeopleSafe at Eurovision 2023.
"Our teams will be working across the City of Liverpool at amazing destinations like Euro Village at Liverpool Pier Head, EuroCamp at Chavasse Park and EuroFestival - which is showcasing 24 commisions across the city, 19 of which are collaborative between UK and Ukrainian artists."
FGH is a private security company founded in Lancaster in 2003, and provides security staff for events and venues locally and all over the UK.
Network Rail says people travelling to Liverpool this week wanting to enjoy the spectacle should allow extra time for travel and to come to the city with as few belongings as possible.
New Maternity Triage and Bereavement Suite to open at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Lancaster MP joins calls for government to bring in social media ban for under 16s
New Lancaster group aims to support a better way of life on the water
Winter feast will celebrate milestone year for Lancaster district food projects
LISTEN: New lease of life for one of Lancaster's oldest pubs
Management of Lancaster student accommodation moves to new operator
Police release video footage of men wanted in connection with Lancaster attack
£800k funding pot will help Lancaster district residents stay warm and well all year round
Heritage plaque unveiled to celebrate achievement of Lancaster suffragette
LISTEN: Film festival in Morecambe going from strength to strength
Former Morecambe hotel and nightspot is unsold at auction
Family handing over to new couple after special time in charge at historic Lancaster pub
Family pays tribute to much-loved Morecambe man who died after A6 crash
Ten-year-old boy among youths arrested in investigation into attack on Lancaster pensioner
Police charge man with Lancaster robberies over Christmas
March to be held in Morecambe to support victims of violence against women
"Once in a generation moment" as Tour de France to visit Lancaster and Morecambe District
Morecambe FC CEO quizzed on future of manager Ashvir Singh Johal at fans' forum
Award winning restaurant to host pop-up at Lancaster & Morecambe College
Tributes paid to popular Lancaster businessman after his sudden death
