Eurovision 2023 UK shortlist: Birmingham and Manchester in running to be host cities
The UK was given the chance to host Eurovision for the ninth time for 2023, after this year’s winner Ukraine is not able to due to the ongoing war
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Eurovision 2023: Shortlist of cities to host revealed
The shortlist for UK cities to host Eurovision 2023 has been announced – with Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester in the running.
The UK was given the chance to host Eurovision for the ninth time – more than any other country – after this year’s winning country Ukraine would not be able to host as the ongoing war poses a “significant risk”.
Ukraine’s entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed in Turin, Italy, while the UK caming second in the competition with Sam Ryder’s Space Man performance.
The bidding process to select the host city for the competition back in July, which the BBC will manage alongside the EBU.
Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle are among the cities in the UK bidding for a chance to host the iconic song contest.
The UK came second this year with Sam Ryder’s Space Man performance
Image:
( AFP via Getty Images)
The BBC will broadcast the competition on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC.
In a statement the EBU said it would be held on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine ’s UA: PBC.
They said: “The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine.
“We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.
The Kalush Orchestra, representing Ukraine, won the Eurovision Song Contest last year
Image:
( Getty Images)
“I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.”
Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the so-called big five nations – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.
According to Ladbrokes, Glasgow is the main runner out of the seven UK cities as of now.
After the seven-strong shortlist was announced this morning, the bookies have Glasgow priced at 11/8 to host the show, with Birmingham being close behind at 2/1.
Elsewhere, Liverpool is a 5/1 shot as things stand, ahead of Manchester (10/1) and Leeds (10/1), with Newcastle at 12/1 and Sheffield all the way out at 25/1.
British pop group Bucks Fizz winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Nicola Sturgeon’s Eurovision wish might well come true, and at this point it looks like the only thing standing in hers and Glasgow’s way would be the Brummies, with the odds suggesting a two-horse race is on the cards.”
Meanwhile, the BBC shared a statement to show their support to Ukraine and share their dedication to making the contest “one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023”.
The BBC is planning the contest to be “unique” as it will “reflect Ukraine’s victory in Turin” as well as “showcase the UK’s vibrant music scene”.
The UK has previously hosted the contest on eight previous occasions, in London, Edinburgh, Harrogate and Birmingham.
It last hosted the popular song contest in 1998, following Katrina and the Waves’ victory with Love Shine A Light in 1997.
The UK last hosted the popular song contest in 1998, with Céline Dion performing
Image:
( ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesperson said although it was “deeply regrettable” the competition won’t be hosted by the victor, the UK will “pull out all the stops” to make it an entertaining evening.
The PM’s spokesman said: “It was the PM’s strong wish to see Ukraine host next year’s Eurovision contest. They were the rightful winners.
“It is deeply regrettable that a Ukraine-hosted Eurovision won’t take place,” the spokesman said, but said Britain would “pull out all the stops”.
The host city is expected to be announced by the autumn.
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