EUROVISION 2023: SHORTLIST OF POSSIBLE UK HOST CITIES REVEALED

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA:PBC.

BBC to take on hosting duties with Contest to be held in United Kingdom in 2023. Ukraine to automatically qualify for the Grand Final along with ‘Big 5’ (which includes United Kingdom).

Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield go through to the next stage of the Host City process.

The BBC had expressions of interest from 20 cities, across all four Nations of the UK. All applicants demonstrated how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities to mark the fact that Ukraine are the winners of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The final decision on the winning Host City will be determined by which city or region scores highest against an agreed evaluation criteria, assessed by the BBC.

These criteria include: having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest; the commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution; the strength of the cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director Unscripted Content says: “We would like to thank all of the cities and regions that submitted bids to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We have seven fantastic cities who we are taking through to the next round."

"Congratulations to Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield - it’s exciting to see such a breadth of bids going through from across the UK. We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”