The BBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have announced that Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield have all been accepted as Shortlisted Host Cities for the Eurovision Song Contest set to take place in the United Kingdom in May 2023.
The United Kingdom is hosting the contest on behalf of Ukraine who won with Kalush Orchestra and their song Stefania.
The UK’s venue shortlist was revealed on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Friday, with a guest appearance from Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl, declaring the Host City race “good to go!”
The 7 cities were shortlisted based on their ability to meet a set of minimum requirements that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.
Given the short period of time available until the event will be staged, the selection process was heavily weighted towards demonstrating past experience in hosting major international events, as well as being able to demonstrate credentials in hosting a celebration of contemporary music.
The Shortlisted Host Cities will now go through to the second and final stage, where they will be asked to develop their bids in more detail. The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be decided by the BBC in conjunction with the EBU, and the successful city will be announced in the Autumn.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street took to social media to say:
“We have an exemplary track record of hosting major events in this city and region, and after the Games we’re ready to show that to the world again.
Looking forward to working with all partners to make this happen. Let’s get to work.
Photo credit: Andy Street
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said:
‘I wish all the bidding cities the best of success and know no matter which one is chosen it will be a fantastic event to make both the UK and Ukraine proud.’
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted Content said:
‘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.’
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.
