The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the UK next year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed. In a statement, the EBU said it would be held on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA: PBC - and it could be held in the West Country.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees announced on July 9 that he would be launching a bid to bring next year's Eurovision Song Contest to Bristol. During the Pride celebrations at The Downs that evening, a video of Marvin Rees was played before headliner Carly Rae Jepsen took to the stage, in which he announced Bristol's bid to act as a 'caretaker' for next year's competition at the city's brand new arena.
In his message, Marvin said: "Hello Pride, this is Bristol calling.
Read more: Should Bristol play host to the Eurovision Song Contest?
"It's great that everyone is here, in person, for Bristol Pride and I'm excited to talk about another opportunity for Bristol to come together again. Despite winning the Eurovision Song Contest in May, incredibly sadly, Ukraine won't host the contest in 2023 and the BBC have been asked to take on Eurovision next year.
"As a global and diverse City of Sanctuary, Bristol can be the caretaker of next year's Eurovision Song Contest. We're working in partnership with YTL Arena Bristol on a bid to bring Eurovision to the Brabazon Hangars.
"Bristol has the perfect site where we can custom build the perfect Eurovision Song Contest. We've got the Space, Man. You'll see what I've done there.
"Bristol's ready with a really strong bid and we need you to help us bring this home. We have posted this on social media - please share it. Tell the world how much you want Bristol to be the next home of Eurovision using our hashtag #ThisIsBristolCalling."
A statement from BBC director-general Tim 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.”
After it was announced the UK will host Eurovision in 2023, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “The Eurovision Song Contest unites people through the power of music and creativity. Following a request from the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities, I’m delighted that the BBC has agreed to step in and host next year’s contest.
“I’m just sorry that due to Russia’s continued acts of bloodshed it has not been possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should be. As hosts, the UK will honour the competition’s spirit and diversity, and most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraine’s recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity.”
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of Ukrainian broadcaster 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.”
Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song 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.
“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.”
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