The UK will host the 2023 Eurovision song contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has confirmed. Given the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, it was decided it was too dangerous for the 2022 winners to host the event and the UK agreed to host the event.
Naturally, people want place across Wales to be considered, but the Welsh Government has already confirmed that Cardiff, and the Principality Stadium is the only one that meets the organisers' requirements. On Monday, Cardiff council said they are "excited about getting round the table with our partners to see what can be done".
Accepting the invitation to host the event, Tim Davie, BBC Director-General says: "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."
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Cardiff council leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “Cardiff has a global reputation for being a city like no other when it comes to hosting major events. Everyone comments on the atmosphere Cardiff is able to generate and the unique warmth and personality people enjoy when they come here and find a city centre so self-contained and so close to the heart of the action.
“It would be an honour for Cardiff to host Eurovision especially this year when we have welcomed so many Ukrainian refugees to the city. Of course Wales has close connections with Ukraine too, with a longstanding twinning arrangement between Cardiff and Luhansk, whilst Donetsk was founded by John Hughes, a Welshman from Merthyr who went there originally to develop a metal works in the region.
“A successful bid will require a Team Cardiff approach, and the council is working with partners now to understand the full requirements, specifications and the costs involved in putting on Eurovision. We know Cardiff could host a fantastic event and bringing Eurovision to Wales, the land of song, would fit with our Music Strategy and Cardiff’s place as the UK’s first music city. We are excited about getting round the table with our partners to see what can be done.”
Responding to the news on WalesOnline's Facebook page, many were keen to share why they thought Cardiff would be a good option.
Peter Edwards suggested: "Put it in the Principality Stadium, open it to the public and give the money from tickets to Ukraine." Hayley Cheri and Emma Bradley also agreed, suggesting the 70,000-capacity stadium is perfect for the event. Helen Oakley added: "Get in the Principality Stadium, Cardiff would be amazing."
The Principality has proved itself a popular choice for live music this year, with Ed Sheeran, Ramstein, and Stereophonics all hosting spectacular events so far this summer.
Where do you think the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest should be held? Let us know in the comments.
Charlie Gough was keen for Wales' capital to host, stating "Cardiff is the best choice!" Moyra Kane agreed, writing "Cardiff the land of song." Janice Davies echoed her feelings, sharing that Wales is the land of the song.
"Cardiff would be amazing," wrote Sue Popple. Lee Fry wrote: "We have successfully hosted the champions league as well as Nato summit so as a city were are more than capable of hosting this major event."
Wendy Tilley was very enthusiastic about the idea of Wales' capital hosting. She wrote: "Cardiff, Cardiff, Cardiff oh, by the way, did I mention CARDIFF?"
While Wrexham and Swansea were both also put forward as host cities, Cardiff was the clear frontrunner and discussions have already begun. In June, a debate about Wales hosting Eurovision was held in the Senedd. At it, deputy minister for culture Dawn Bowden said: "We recognise that Wales's successful track record in hosting high-profile events in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium, which we understand would be the only venue in Wales capable of meeting the specifications for the event, places it in contention for providing a home for the 2023 edition of Eurovision, if it cannot be held in Ukraine.
"Both Cardiff Council and the stadium have indicated their interest in staging the event, and if the event cannot be held in Ukraine, we would hold further discussions with both, and the BBC, in terms of the detailed specification and the potential costs, which we understand are likely to be multimillion. We would also be looking at the benefits and the potential contributions from those partners, the UK Government, and of course international partners." You can read about that here.
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