It’s official
The UK has been confirmed as the host of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The show’s organisers decided the event, unfortunately, could not be held in the winning country of Ukraine given the ongoing Russian invasion and Britain had been earmarked as a possible replacement some time ago.
The United Kingdom will host #Eurovision 2023! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
➡️ Everything you need to know here: https://t.co/qQVS3gierN pic.twitter.com/IpHCA2i4U6
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) July 25, 2022
The UK came second in the most recent competition with Sam Ryder’s “Space Man”, which sky-rocketed to become Britain’s best Eurovision chart entry in over 26 years.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) opened talks with the BBC shortly after the historic second place, with EBU stating the potential venue must be able to accommodate around 10,000 spectators, be within easy reach of an international airport and have enough accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and spectators.
As announced on the official Twitter, the selection process for the chosen city will begin this week and while it is not yet known who the frontrunners are, the likes of Glasgow and Manchester have expressed an interest. There will also be collaboration on the Eurovision 2023 in an effort to reflect both Ukraine and the UK as stand-in hosts.
Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final along with the Big 5 🏆
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) July 25, 2022
Speaking in a statement from the BBC Press Office, Director-General Tim Davie said that while it is a “great regret” that this year’s winners are unable to host in their own country, being asked to fill in during such extenuating circumstances is “a great privilege” and the BBC are committed to celebrating both Ukrainian and Britsh culture for 2023’s contest.
He promised that the BBC are dedicated to providing “one of the most exciting events of 2023”.
Statement on the #Eurovision Song Contest 2023 from Tim Davie, BBC Director-General https://t.co/CSPCfFNuJS pic.twitter.com/YSRH8AZvZ4
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) July 25, 2022
Related links
- Eurovision winners sell trophy for £700K to buy drones for Ukrainian war effort
- David Warner dead: Titanic and Omen actor dies of cancer-related illness aged 80
- UK’s Sam Ryder may have actually come third amid possible Eurovision voting scandal
