Entertainment
UK host city chosen for Eurovision 2023 will be selected in two stages as competitive bids continue-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
The event will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture.
Kalush Orchestra stormed to victory, this year with the UK’s Sam Ryder coming second (Picture: EPA/Alessandro Di Marco)
Cities across the UK are continuing to bid for the chance to host Eurovision 2023, after it was announced that Ukraine will be unable to host despite winning this year’s competition with Kalush Orchestra.
With favourites including Glasgow and Manchester according to the bookies, the BBC is currently embarking on the process to make the final decision, as the host broadcaster, alongside the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
It has since been announced that the selection will be made as part of a ‘two-stage process’, as the cities are assessed to determine their ‘capacity and capability’.
The BBC recently published a Q&A about the decision-making process, explaining that once all of the applications from potential host cities have been received, a shortlist will be created.
This will be ‘based on their ability to meet the requirements and their responses around the capability and experience’, the firm outlined.
The explanation read: ‘The final decision on selecting the host city will be based on a city or region’s capacity and capability in meeting the BBC’s and the EBU’s requirements, as well as availability of resources and general experience in hosting a large and complex event such as the Eurovision Song Contest.
Which UK city could host Eurovision 2023?
After the announcement that the UK will be hosting Eurovision in 2023, with Ukraine officially ruled out, here are the top six cities likely to host the competition as it’s broadcast by the BBC, according to bookmakers:
Belfast
The SSE Arena at the Odyssey Complex in the Northern Irish city’s Titanic Quarter boasts a 12,000-person capacity, and councillors Anthony Flynn and Seamas De Faoite have urged the city to put a bid forward.
Cardiff
The Welsh city’s Principality Stadium, which held every FA Cup final between 2001 and 2006, can hold a whopping 74,000 people and comes equipped with a roof. The competition has never been held in Wales before.
Manchester
Not only does Manchester’s AO Arena have the ability to house 21,000 guests, but it’s also extremely close to the BBC’s main studio in Salford. However, Sir Elton John and Magic Mike shows are already scheduled to take place at the arena next May.
Birmingham
Birmingham has already proven it’s capable of hosting Eurovision, having done so in 1998 when Katrina and the Waves’ song Love Shine a Light won the previous year.
London
The English capital has hosted the competition four times in the past, the last time being back in 1977. The show could take place at the Wembley Arena, which has a capacity of 12,500 people, or the O2 Arena, which could hold 20,000 individuals.
Glasgow
The bookies’ favourite is currently the Scottish city of Glasgow, with Edinburgh having hosted Eurovision in 1972. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already suggested the city, which was named the UK’s top cultural and creative city in 2019.
‘For example, last year the EBU’s host city criteria was based on providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators (as well as a press centre), that should be within easy reach of an international airport and with ample hotel accommodation.’
The BBC added that it may also ‘consult’ the British government on the decision.
However, the final choice will be made in unison between the BBC and the EBU.
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When it was announced that the UK would be hosting Eurovision 2023 instead of Ukraine, the BBC said in a statement: ‘It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
‘Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.’
Sam went on to sing at the Queen’s Jubilee concert after Eurovision (Picture: Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images)
The company said that it is ‘committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity’, as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to rage on.
‘The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023,’ they said.
Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA:PBC, 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. 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.’
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