Manchester is out of the race to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, it was announced today. The BBC said the cities of Glasgow and Liverpool 'remain in the competition to be the 2023 host city'.
In mid-August, it was announced seven cities - Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield - could host Eurovision in 2023 in place of Ukraine. Kalush Orchestra, Ukrainian's entry, triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy.
But the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show couldn't be held in the country following Russia's invasion. The news will be a huge blow to Mancunians and all those involved with the city's bid, including the council and its partners.
Responding to the announcement coun Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council, said: "We are of course disappointed not to be chosen to host next year's Eurovision, but we know that the successful city will put on an incredible event on behalf of our friends in Ukraine.
"Good luck to Liverpool and Glasgow. We can’t wait to see what the chosen city has in store for the show next year."
Coun Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesman, said on Twitter: "Congratulations to both great cities. Am disappointed but am sure one day Manchester will host Eurovision. We can bid with our new stadium."
In an update today, the BBC said: "The BBC has today provided an update on the bidding process for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, and confirmed that two cities, Glasgow and Liverpool, remain in competition to be the 2023 host city.
"On 12 August the BBC announced that seven cities (Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield) had been shortlisted as candidate host cities.
"Following a detailed assessment process these seven cities have now been reduced to two: Glasgow and Liverpool. Further discussions will now take place with officials from Glasgow and Liverpool and a final decision will be made within weeks."
Phil Harrold, the chair of the BBC’s Host City Selection Committee said: "Thanks to all seven cities across the UK who have demonstrated the enthusiasm and passion for Eurovision that exists right across the UK. We were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of all the city bids, in what was a highly competitive field.
"The Eurovision Song Contest is a very complex event and Liverpool and Glasgow have the strongest overall offer; we will continue our discussions with them to determine the eventual host city. We are determined to make the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest one that both reflects the winning position of Ukraine and is also an event that all of the UK can participate in.”
The final decision on the host city of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest is a matter for the BBC in conjunction with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
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