A GROUP of SNP politicians have written to the BBC requesting that Aberdeen be considered to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Writing to BBC Chief Executive Tim Davie six of the city’s MPs and MSPs put forward the city’s case for holding the event.
Traditionally the event is hosted by the previous year’s winner but in the wake of Ukraine’s victory organisers decided the nation would be unable to host the event safely.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have confirmed they are entering into talks with the BBC to host the event after the UK’s entrant, Sam Ryder, placed second.
In response to the announcement First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible.
"However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!
"@scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC, @EBU_HQ and others
"Indeed there may be several possible venues in [Scotland] - let’s discuss!!"
We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible. However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!! @scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others https://t.co/74YzxlWgWh
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 17, 2022
Rumours of the event being hosted at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro have circulated online after fans noticed that the venue had no events scheduled for May 2023.
However, after Nicola Sturgeon tweeted about her enthusiasm for the event taking place in Scotland, other cities have begun throwing their names into the ring.
The letter from Aberdeen’s politicians read: “Following the news that the BBC has been approached by the European Broadcasting Union to discuss hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, we believe that Aberdeen is perfectly placed in terms of infrastructure, cultural offering and sheer enthusiasm to hold the event.
“Aberdeen is home to Scotland’s largest Event Complex, P&J Live, which is as modern as they come having opened in 2019 and, as you will know, the venue previously welcomed the BBC for the Sports Personality of the Year awards, which was a massive success.
“At a capacity of 15,000 and surrounded by hotels, P&J Live is just 2 miles from Aberdeen International Airport and minutes away from our city centre where you will find one of Europe’s ancient universities, a vast number of restaurants and bars, multiple theatres, hotels, an award-winning art gallery and a stunning beachfront.
Bring Eurovision to Aberdeen! Also, hashtag suggestions welcome. Best so far probably #EuROWIEvision pic.twitter.com/zvR1ZIjUz1
— Kirsty Blackman (@KirstySNP) June 17, 2022
“With minds focussed on the climate emergency, Aberdeen aspires to be the Net Zero capital of Europe and the city has hosted Europe’s premier energy conference, Offshore Europe, for decades, bringing people from across the world together, just like Eurovision.
“All of us wish Ukraine was in a position to host the contest next year, but we feel very strongly that Aberdeen can deliver a show that will match any city in the world.
“We urge you to consider Aberdeen as host venue for Eurovision 2023 and look forward to hearing from you in due course.
“Yours sincerely Kevin Stewart MSP, Audrey Nicoll MSP, Jackie Dunbar MSP, Stephen Flynn MP, Kirsty Blackman MP, Richard Thomson MP”
Glasgow MP Stewart McDonald has also submitted a motion to the UK Parliament calling for Glasgow to be the host city.
In 2020 the Will Ferrell film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga showed the Hydro in Glasgow as the host of the competition, despite the storyline claiming it was actually in Edinburgh.
I've submitted a motion to parliament and an application for debate, calling for Glasgow to be the host city for #Eurovision 2023. The city is the perfect place to welcome the world to and honour the spirit of Ukraine - the 2022 winner. Let's do it for Ukraine and for Glasgow! pic.twitter.com/PSTQTMLgHk
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) June 17, 2022
The BBC released a statement regarding the EBU’s approach.
It said: “We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly, these aren’t a set of circumstances anyone would want.
“Following their decision we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest."
