The Eurovision Song Contest has revealed the shortlist of cities bidding to host the 2023 competition. Out of 20 cities' applications, the final seven contenders have been narrowed down to Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.
The shortlist was revealed on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, with a guest appearance from Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl, declaring the Host City race "good to go"! They were joined in the studio by super fan Scott Mills, who explained that the UK was hosting the Contest on behalf of Ukraine, whose Kalush Orchestra won last year.
The BBC revealed they had bids from 20 cities from across all four nations in the UK. As part of the initial application, all cities had to demonstrate how they would champion Ukrainian culture, music and communities to mark the fact that they are the reigning champions.
Read more: Eurovision 2023 host city: Glasgow is bookies' favourite after shortlist announced
The seven cities shortlisted - Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield - will be required to develop their bids in more detail. In order to be shortlisted, cities had to prove that they had the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.
This included a big enough arena to host the event, excellent transport links and available accommodation, and experience in hosting multi-cultural events with an international audience. The official Eurovision website claimed that "given the short period of time available until the event will be staged, the selection process was heavily weighted towards demonstrating past experience in hosting major international events, as well as being able to demonstrate credentials in hosting a celebration of contemporary music."
What happens next?
The shortlisted host cities will now go through to the second and final stage, where they will be asked to develop their bids in more detail. The selection of the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be decided by the BBC in conjunction with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
The BBC says: "The final decision on the winning host city will be determined by which city or region scores highest against an agreed evaluation criteria, assessed by the BBC. These criteria include: having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the song contest; the commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution; the strength of the cultural offer which includes off-screen local and regional activity, as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music; and alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster, such as providing value to all audiences and supporting the creative economy in the UK."
Kate Phillips, BBC’s director of unscripted content says: “We would like to thank all of the cities and regions that submitted bids to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We have seven fantastic cities who we are taking through to the next round."
"Congratulations to Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield - it’s exciting to see such a breadth of bids going through from across the UK. We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”
When will the decision be announced?
It is expected that the BBC and EBU will come to a decision within the next couple of months, with the final decision being announced to the public in the autumn.
When will Eurovision 2023 take place?
So far nothing concrete has been announced, though Eurovision has traditionally taken place within the first two half of May, with last year's competition concluding on May 16th 2022.
When will tickets go on sale?
Ticket prices, availability, and even the ticket provider won’t be decided until there is a confirmed Host City and venue for the shows. Interest for tickets is always very high, so be sure to do your research into the shows beforehand, as it's not just the televised final that's available.
When will the acts be announced?
While much in the way of dates is known when it comes to Eurovision, one date that is set in stone is September 1st. Songs publicly released before this milestone are not eligible to enter the Eurovision Song Contest the following year.
There's potential for 44 nations to apply to take part in Eurovision though only around 26 countries will make it through to the grand final. As a part of the "big five" - the nations that contribute the most financially to the contest - the UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany are guaranteed a place in the final, as are Ukraine as the reigning champions.
Read more Eurovision news here
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