A number of UK cities have offered to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 after it was confirmed that next year's competition will take place here instead of in Ukraine. It comes after bosses decided that the wartorn nation would be unable to host the event following their win this year.
The UK has been chosen as the new host nation after Sam Ryder came second in the 2022 competition behind Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), along with the BBC, will now decide which UK city will host the contest.
It will be the ninth time Eurovision has taken place in the UK – more than any other country. The host city will need a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.
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Boris Johnson said the UK would “put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends”. The prime minister said that in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week they agreed that the competition "must celebrate the country and people" of Ukraine. “As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly – and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends,” Mr Johnson said.
Which cities could host Eurovision 2023?
The cities that have so far announced they will put in a bid to host the contest in 2023 are:
London
Announcing London’s bid, mayor Sadiq Khan said the city was “ready and willing to step in” with a contest that “celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain”.
London’s O2 is a strong contender as the largest indoor arena in the capital. The 20,000-capacity venue has hosted some of the biggest stars in the world, including Adele, Queen and Adam Lambert, Billie Eilish, The Rolling Stones, as well as events like the Brit Awards. The OVO Arena Wembley could also be in contention as the second largest in London, with a capacity of 12,500.
Manchester
Manchester City Council confirmed it was also putting in a bid, with council leader Bev Craig tweeting: “A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK’s largest Ukrainian populations – we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember.”
Manchester Arena is the UK's largest indoor arena with a capacity of 21,000.
Sheffield
Sheffield City Council was among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: “We’ve told Eurovision we’d love to host… watch this space.”
Glasgow
Glasgow also previously expressed an interest in hosting the contest with the city’s OVO Hydro arena saying it would be “delighted” to be involved in discussions. The arena is the largest entertainment venue in Scotland and has a maximum capacity of 14,300.
Where has Eurovision been held before in the UK?
London has hosted Eurovision a total of four times, in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977. Other UK cities to host the event include Edinburgh in 1972, Brighton in 1974 and Harrogate in 1982.
The UK last hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998 in Birmingham following Katrina And The Waves’ victory in Dublin with Love Shine A Light. The 2023 competition will be the ninth time the competition has taken place in the UK – more than any other country in Eurovision history.
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