The Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine.
The announcement was confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC. The decision has been made following the exploration of hosting the contest in Ukraine.
Due to safety and security concerns the EBU has made the decision to confirm the UK as the host of the 67th contest and the BBC as host broadcaster. Martin Österdahl, the contest's Executive Supervisor, said: "We're exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.
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"The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event."
Ukraine, as the winning country of the previous contest, will automatically qualify for the final along with France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom - the 'big five' who contribute the most financially to the contest.
The race for the host city has also heated up, with Tim Davie, BBC director-general, shedding light on where the contest will be held. Mr Davie said: "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.
"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. 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."
Next year's host city will be chosen in the coming months following a fierce bidding process which will be launched this week. Several mayors and MPs have informally expressed an intention to bid, including Mayor Joanne Anderson.
Mayor Anderson previously said: “We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and would like the opportunity for Liverpool to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and in doing so pay tribute to their wonderful country.”
Liverpool Council confirmed it would throw its hat into the ring to host the annual music event last month - and later revealed the plans to host the event would be around £2m.
In a previous report to councillors sitting on the culture and visitor economy select committee on Eurovision, Cllr Harry Doyle said: “You have to be in it to win it, and I believe Liverpool has the credentials, the capacity and connectivity that will deliver a world class stage for Eurovision.” Launching its bid publicly last month, Liverpool Council said the city’s music credentials were “second to none”.
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