Liverpool remains one of the two cities that could host Eurovision 2023.
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. The two cities are in contention to host the showcase event after a list previously including other cities including Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester was whittled down to two.
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.
READ MORE: Liverpool finalist city to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023
"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.”
Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show cannot be held in the country following Russia's invasion. The selected city will be crowned host of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after the UK was given the chance to host the event for the ninth time - more than any other country - after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.
Liverpool's push was boosted by Gennadiy Trukhanov, mayor of Ukrainian twin city, Odessa, lending his support. In a video, Mr Trukhanov said: “Our city was visited by many generations of Liverpudlians who walked along our streets, enjoyed our scenery and savoured our unique cuisine, but today, all of this is under threat. Currently melodious, talented and hospitable Odessa is fighting together with the entire Ukraine for our right to live peacefully in our land.”
The Odessa Mayor said Liverpool’s candidacy would allow the city’s voices to be heard all over Europe. He added: “In 2023, our country will not be able to host the Eurovision contest. But it does not mean that the voices of Odessa and our song will not resound for the world.
"We believe that our sister city Liverpool is worth hosting this contest, as it perfectly reflects the brightness of the event and demonstrates the true diversity within unity. We absolutely support you and wish you good luck. Let the songs of the entire Europe ring over the river Mersey.”
The shortlist was narrowed down from 20 UK cities who initially submitted an "expression of interest", with applicants across all four regions demonstrating how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.
The cities have each been scored on a set of criteria, the BBC revealed. Requirements include "a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest", necessary commitment to the contest including a financial contribution, and "alignment with the BBC's strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster".
A spokesperson from Liverpool City Council previously said : "We know the responsibility that comes with hosting Eurovision 2023 and we are working hard behind the scenes to let the decision makers know how important this opportunity could be for Liverpool – an event to bring the global community together in one place and to help define us for the next decade.
"For Liverpool, Eurovision Means More – a mega event which will not only provide our visitor economy sector with a much needed boost but it will also kickstart a new era for the city as an international destination."
Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said she was "delighted" with the city being one of the remaining two in contention to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year. She tweeted: "Absolutely delighted Liverpool has made the final two for the Eurovision2023 shortlist. "Nowhere throws a party quite like us. The people, communities & businesses of our city are ready to put on a show - for Ukraine, the UK & for Europe. Eurovision in Liverpool. Imagine."
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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