United Kingdom: Shortlist of Host Cities to be revealed on August 12?

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In four days, on Friday, August 12, it is likely that we will officially know the cities that will definitively claim to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, as reported by the British media.

Shortly after Newcastle‘s bid for Eurovision 2023 was made official, the Chronicle, Tyneside’s largest news site, reports in a report today that the BBC will reveal the shortlisted host cities that wish to host the next Eurovision.

The announcement, according to the Chronicle’s publication, will be made through the morning radio broadcast of the BBC’s second program entitled “BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show“. However, the British public broadcaster has so far neither confirmed nor denied the report.

As it became known a few days ago, the selection process will take place in two rounds. After the first round of nominations, the BBC and the EBU will select the nominations that meet the requirements and have the capacity to host Europe’s biggest televised event.

The final decision on selecting the Host City will be based on a city or region’s capacity and capability in meeting the BBC’s and the EBU’s requirements, as well as availability of resources and general experience in hosting a large and complex event such as the Eurovision Song Contest.

BBC

A decision on where the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be held is expected to be made in the autumn. According to the BBC, the UK government may be consulted beforehand, but it will be the BBC and the EBU who decide the host city.

The following cities have confirmed that work has begun on their bids:

  • Aberdeen
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool
  • Newcastle

While the following cities have already indicated their intention to submit their own bids:

  • Belfast
  • Brighton
  • Derry
  • Leeds
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Nottingham
  • Sheffield
  • Sunderland
  • Wolverhampton

Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Stefania“. It was Ukraine‘s third win in the contest’s history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

Source: Chronicle

Eurovision 2023: Irish Eurovision winners support Belfast as Host City

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Amidst the increasing interest by cities within UK to host the ESC, Northern Ireland’s local press reports that seven past winners from across the island of Ireland, together with three Belfast City Councillors, are putting forward a strong case for Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast.

As we have previously reported, the Eurovision 2023 host city will be decided upon by the BBC and the EBU, with the final decision expected in early Fall ahead of the May 2023 contest.

A number of UK cities have already submitted bids, but to date Belfast City Council has not yet had a formal meeting about a potential proposal.

The aspirant bid

Belfast City Council’s idleness regarding a possible proposal propelled past Eurovision winners to join forces in order to trigger interest about the event’s multiple benefits for the local economy.

In the same context, three Belfast City Councillors are exerting their efforts in preparing for a bid as a matter of urgency.

One of the Councillors, Mr. Seamas de Faoite, commented that Belfast “is the best city to host the Ukrainian victors”, because people in Belfast “understand the promise and importance of peace more than any other host”.

According to the local press, Belfast ticks all of the EBU’s boxes and more:

  • The SSE Arena can seat 11,000 with the iconic Titanic Exhibition Centre next door
  • Belfast has a minimum of 9,600 hotel rooms, twice the number the EBU believes would be needed
  • Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, along with the proximity of Dublin Airport and even City of Derry Airport

The winners

Dana Brown 

Rosemary Dana Brown won Eurovision back in 1970 when she was only 18 years old. She said about the prospect of Belfast hosting the Contest:

People in Northern Ireland have experienced the devastation of years of unrest and have successfully come through it. We understand and empathise with so much of the pain suffered by Ukraine’s people.

And like them, the people of Northern Ireland are steeped in music, culture, the arts, creativity and in particular, Eurovision success. An all-inclusive Northern Ireland bid for Eurovision 2023 should be held in the capital city Belfast, I believe it’s the very best place to represent the people of Ukraine.

Linda Martin is from Belfast, Niamh Cavanagh is now living near Belfast, myself and Johnny Logan’s father are from Derry Londonderry so that adds up to five Eurovision wins. Add Phil Coulter, the composer of UK’s first ever Eurovision win, Puppet on a String.

Belfast also has the full support of Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan who won Eurovision with “Rock and Roll Kids” so that takes us to seven winners.

Is it not fitting that Belfast could be the Eurovision host for Ukraine? We have the huge capacity SSE venue right next door to the globally recognised Titanic centre. We have very talented people at BBC NI and TV production companies as well as excellent logistics to facilitate.

Northern Ireland and Belfast can do justice to the people of Ukraine in hosting Eurovision 2023, not only because of our logistical abilities but because of our big-hearted and community-driven people.

Johnny Logan

Johnny Logan is the only performer to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice, first in 1980 with ‘What’s Another Year’, written by Shay Healy and then in 1987 with ‘Hold Me Now’ which he composed and performed himself. Johnny said:

Belfast should host Ukraine for Eurovision 2023 – and why not Belfast? Northern Ireland has produced so many great musicians and singers, my father Patrick O’Hagan among them, and hosting Eurovision 2023 would be a wonderful opportunity to highlight the positive side of the north of Ireland and its people.

So yes, I fully support the Belfast bid, it’s a great musical city with great people and I believe it can deliver.

Linda Martin 

Linda performed at the Eurovision Song Contest contest twice and won in 1992 with “Why Me?”. She said:

Belfast is perfect for Eurovision 2023. It’s a beautiful city with an 11,000 seater arena, thousands of hotel rooms and two airports, one of them right beside the world renowned Titanic experience.

Niamh Kavanagh 

Niamh won the competition in 1993 with the song “In your Eyes”. Niamh said:

Belfast would be an amazing choice to host the Eurovision on behalf of the Ukraine, it’s a thriving city with a great heart that understands surviving conflict.

Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan

They won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids”. Paul said:

I think it’s a brilliant idea. I lived and worked in Belfast for some years and it’s a sparkling place and the people are creative and talented. Music can unite and triumph. So yes, I fully support Belfast for Eurovision 2023.

Brendan Graham

Brendan is the writer of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” in 1994, and Eimear Quinn’s winning song, “The Voice”, in 1996. Brendan said:

Belfast would be a super city to host Eurovision 2023, in partnership with Ukraine. The amenities are all there, not to mention the history and the surrounding beauty of Northern Ireland.

In some elemental and visceral way Belfast and its people might have a more natural empatico with the cities and people of Ukraine than perhaps other cities might have. Belfast is a city of hope and belief in the future…and would be a city of huge welcome and embrace for Ukraine.

What do you think? Is Belfast a suitable host city for Eurovision 2023? 

Eurovision 2023: BBC issues FAQ about Host City application process

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We don’t often get to see a National Broadcaster publishing FAQ for the Host City bidding process. Actually, we think, that’s a first! BBC has probably been overwhelmed by messages from officials all over UK, and has responded to it with the most British way possible, namely by issuing a Frequently Asked Questions document that briefly summarises the process. You can view the FAQs below:

Eurovision FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Host City application process for Eurovision 2023

How do you apply to be a Host City?

Any local authority interested in becoming a Host City can email esc.hostcity@bbc.co.uk

Does it cost to enter a bid?

There is no charge to enter a bid. It is up to Cities whether they incur costs to support their bid.

Who decides who will be the Host City?

The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be determined by the BBC and the EBU.

How does the process work?

It is a two-stage process and to be considered, any potential candidates must meet a set of minimum standards that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.

What are the key requirements?

The final decision on selecting the Host City will be based on a city or region’s capacity and capability in meeting the BBC’s and the EBU’s requirements, as well as availability of resources and general experience in hosting a large and complex event such as the Eurovision Song Contest.

For example, last year the EBU’s Host City criteria was based on providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators (as well as a press centre), that should be within easy reach of an international airport and with ample hotel accommodation.

Will there be different rounds?

There will be two rounds. Once we have received applications, we will shortlist cities based on their ability to meet the requirements and their responses around capability and experience.

Will the government have a say on who hosts it?

We may consult with the UK government but the decision on who will be the Host City will be determined by the BBC and the EBU.

When will you announce the Host City?

We expect the process to be completed in Autumn and we will announce the successful Host City then.

 

Which shall be the Eurovision 2023 Host City? Stay tuned for updates!

Ukraine: Commentator Timur Miroshnychenko stands with the United Kingdom hosting Eurovision 2023!

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He’s among the favourites to present Eurovision 2023 in the United Kingdom. Ukraine’s Eurovision commentator Timur Miroshnychenko spoke out in favour of the EBU’s decision to have the United Kingdom host next year’s song contest.

Speaking on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain”, the 36-year-old presenter said it was sad that the contest can’t be hosted in Ukrainian land, but understands the EBU’s reasoning.

“It shouldn’t be postponed of course because we have to show to the aggressor that even in these horrible times we can celebrate, we can be together and be united. Of course we’re a little upset that we can’t welcome all the people next year to Kyiv or somewhere. For now there aren’t any safe corners in our country because you don’t know which next aim the Russian missiles will choose. I think this is the only correct decision to organise the United Kingdom next year because your country came second and according to the rules, you are the one to do it.” 

Timur is a long-time Eurovision fan and is inextricably linked to the contest in his country. He famously co-hosted the 2017 edition alongside Oleksandr Skichko and Volodymur Ostapchuk. He previously hosted Junior Eurovision 2009 and 2013 alongside Ani Lorak and Zlata Ognevich, respectively.

Officials in both the United Kingdom and Ukraine have made it clear that the 2023 show will include a great deal of Ukrainian content. This is to mark Ukraine’s victory at Eurovision 2022 and to showcase the unique signature of Ukrainian culture.

Ukraine’s Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko recently told Ukrainian television how that might look.

“The Ukrainian flag, videos of Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian presenters, and a Ukrainian creative group will become an integral part of the show in Great Britain.” 

Timur isn’t the only Ukrainian stand with the decision of the United Kingdom hosting next year’s show.

Speaking after her recent performance at Glastonbury, Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala discussed the European Broadcasting Union’s decision.

“Great Britain came second in the competition, so if Ukraine is unwilling to host the event for whatever reason, it would be fair to hold it in one of the United Kingdom’s cities. It’s really sad that the EBU decided to take away all this chance and all this hope, but I really understand that it has to be in a peaceful place for participants and for everybody.”

Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will not be held in Ukraine but in the United Kingdom after Kalush Orchestra’s victory with the song “Stefania”. This was Ukraine’s third win in the Contest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in the United Kingdom!\

Source: wiwibloggs.com

Eurovision 2023: Cardiff pulls out from the host city bid race!

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It was announced today that Cardiff will not proceed with its host city application for Eurovision 2023, due to the unavailability of the Principality Stadium (proposed venue) during the Eurovision period.

That is despite the fact that the Cardiff Council, the Welsh Government and the Principality Stadium had initially expressed a great interest in hosting the show in May 2023.

The above actors clarified, in their joint statement, that hosting Eurovision would have caused cancellations of a great number of significant scheduled events.

Here is the joint statement by the Principality Stadium, the Cardiff City Council, and Welsh Government’s officials:

“Since it was confirmed that the UK would host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, Cardiff Council, the Welsh Government and Principality Stadium have been working at pace to establish the feasibility of a bid to host the event in Wales’ capital city.”

“Cardiff’s very strong track record in hosting major events, and the world-class Principality Stadium, would have made it a natural fit for such a significant production.”

“The BBC, as the event organisers, have released detailed specifications for each city wishing to bid to host the event. As partners, we have been working through these in detail. It is clear that on many of these Cardiff would have a very strong case to become the host city for Eurovision 2023.”

“However, the complexity of staging the event means that a significant number of scheduled events in the Principality Stadium during Spring 2023 would have to be cancelled as a result. These include the European Wheelchair Rugby Championships, ‘The Road to Principality’, a key event in the WRU Community rugby calendar, and a major international artist contracted to appear, among other events.”

This development, albeit not a cause of celebration for Welsh eurofans, might strengthen some other cities’ bid. Taking Wales out of the game, leaves plenty of room for Scotland’s cities to manoeuvre, with Glasgow of course leading the race in the betting odds so far.

Which is the most suitable host city for Eurovision 2023? Should the ESC take place in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland? 

Greece: ERT is ready for Eurovision 2023!

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It’s ERT’s time and Eurovisionfun is in the thick of it all! Learn everything about ERT’s plans for Eurovision 2023, and more… What is this year’s selection procedure? When shall we expect an official announcement? Who have expressed an interest in participating?

As August approaches, the Greek National Broadcaster is ready for the Eurovision 2023 project. Shortly before the summer holidays, the ERT’s executives, involved in the past years’ selection procedure and preparation, have finalised their planning, with the selection procedure scheduled to commence, as last year, at the beginning of September.

The team leaders

Eurovision project’s supervisor, for the third consecutive year, will be none other than Dora Chiraki, while Sofia Dranidou will also return to her position for the third consecutive year as Greece’s head of delegation. You don’t change a winning team, especially when this team has now the necessary expertise and knowledge to go one step further. Indeed, this stability, after several years, in people surcharged with the Eurovision project, is a goal that all participating broadcasters seeking good results in the Contest aim to achieve. 

The procedure for selecting country’s representative

Although we do not know the exact procedure for the selection of Greece’s participation in Eurovision 2023, ERT is expected to remain faithful to the formula it has been following in recent years. That is, to give the opportunity to record labels and production companies to submit their proposals, and to come up, through an internal selection by a committee designated by ERT for this purpose, to the proposal that will bring the best results for Greece in May.

Moreover, it is now widely accepted that ERT’s committee has correctly chosen the songs and artists for the last three years, thus marking a triumphant return of Greece to the elite of Eurovision countries. People in the field, albeit at first being skeptical about the committee’s objectivity and judgement, now agree that the selection method carried out by ERT gives everyone the opportunity to take part in the procedure, keeping away unnecessary drama and negative publicity. At the same time, it has also managed to arouse the interest of artists, who in previous years would not have participated in Eurovision.

ERT expects to capitalise on all of the above to an even greater degree this year, since more and more artists are coming forward and expressing their interest in participating in ERT’s internal selection, estimating a way bigger turnout than the 43 proposals submitted last year. 

The dates

Moving to the practical aspect of the matter, it is expected that the official announcement for the submission of proposals will be issued just after the presentation of the ERT’s program, which will take place on September the 6th. Of course, it remains to be seen if ERT will insist on the internal selection or if it will try to engage the public in some way, although as we noted above, the former is more likely.

The goal for Eurovision 2023 is clear; a place, for the third year in a row, in the top-ten. A goal which is not as easy as it seems. Besides, at the moment only three countries managed to have two consecutive places in the top-10, one of them being Greece. Of course, after this year’s eighth place, the bar is particularly high, but the Greek team is optimistic that it will do credit to all Greek fans.

The artists who have expressed interest so far

The artists who, in one way or another, have expressed their interest to represent Greece in the next ESC (which will take place in the United Kingdom) are the following :

  • Vasilis Kourtis
  • Melissa Mantzouki
  • Antonia Kaouri
  • Leon of Athens
  • Katerina Stikoudi
  • Kalomira
  • Klavdia
  • Aggelos Archaniotakis
  • Tania Breazou
  • Evangelia
  • Joanne et al.

Eurovisionfun will be again this year on the forefront, supporting the Greek entry, ERT and our team with all our strength and vigour, because as we have previously said, they are making a worthwhile effort!

Stay tuned here, at the home of Eurovision in Greece, for all the news and updates about the Greek entry in Eurovision 2023!

 

Cyprus: Internal selection announced for 2023 and RIK extends deal with Panik Records

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On an Instagram post made by the CEO of they Cypriot Public Broadcaster RIK, Thanasis Tsokos, the extension of the deal with Panik Records is announced. Apart from 2019, RIK and Panik are collaborating the last years choosing the artist and the song that represents Cyprus, with the best result being in 2018 with Fuego and second place while in 2022 Cyprus did not go through the final with the song Ela.

According to Ogaegreece.com, the deal concerns an internal selection for Eurovision 2023 as well as, a talent show to find the representative of the country in 2024. The talent show is rumored to be “All Together Now” which was set to be aired this fall by both Alpha Tv in Greece and RIK in Cyprus, but the trailer that was published does not mention representing Cyprus in Eurovision as one of the prizes, as we reported.

 

Who do you want to represent Cyprus in Eurovision 2023? Tell us in the comments!

Source: OgaeGreece

Eurovision 2023: Birmingham is officially in the running for the next contest!

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One after the other, the British cities interested in hosting the 67th Eurovision Song Contest submit their proposals for the holding of Eurovision 2023. Today it is the turn of Birmingham, which in 1998 hosted the last contest on British soil.

Should the BBC and EBU go ahead with Birmingham’s choice, Eurovision 2023 will be held at the Resorts World Arena rather than the Utilita Arena Birmingham. The West Midlands city has two indoor stadiums that are able to host the Eurovision Song Contest.

Nevertheless, the Birmingham City Council ended up choosing the Resorts World Arena, which is available until the end of June next year. This means Utilita Arena Birmingham will not have the chance to become one of the few arenas to have hosted Eurovision more than once.

Many music events have been hosted at Resorts World Arena, such as the BBC Music Awards in 2015 and most recently the ITV Charity Concert for Ukraine where Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala performed her winning song “1944”. Resorts World Arena has a capacity of 15,685 spectators.

Birmingham’s bid is backed by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward. The mayor of the UK’s second largest city wants his city to host both the next Eurovision Song Contest and the 2026 European Athletics Championships in addition to the Commonwealth Games starting tomorrow.

The following cities have confirmed that work has begun on their proposals:

  • Aberdeen
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool

While the following cities have already indicated their intention to submit their own proposals:

  • Belfast
  • Brighton
  • Cardiff
  • Leeds
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle
  • Sheffield
  • Sunderland
  • Wolverhampton

Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Stefania“. It was Ukraine‘s third win in the contest’s history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

Source: Birmingham Mail

Eurovision 2023: Sheffield, Bristol submitted their bid to host, Nottingham is still thinking about it!

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Two more cities are now added to the list of those who are confirmed to have submitted a bid to host Eurovision 2023. Sheffield and Bristol are ready to submit tehir own bid while the city of Bristol still considers this possibility.

Sheffield

A statement released by the city council confirms that Sheffield’s bid for Eurovision 2023 is the Utilita Sheffield Arena to serve as the venue of the contest. The Utilita Sheffield Arena (known as Sheffield Arena), has a capacity of 13.600 spectators and has been used for concerts and sporting events since its opening in 1991.

Sheffield stands in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, including those with whom we have long been associated in our sister city of Donetsk.

As the first designated city of refuge in the UK, we strive to offer our city not only as a place of refuge, but as a place to celebrate the unity and solidarity that Eurovision symbolizes.

Sheffield stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we are submitting ourselves to host Eurovision 2023 to make its people proud.

Bristol

During Bristol’s pride in mid July, the town’s mayor, Marvin Rees, has announced their intention to claim the hosting of Eurovision 2023. Now that it has been made official that the competition will be held next May in the United Kingdom, Marvin Rees has reiterated his statement to the media, saying that Bristol are preparing their bid.

The city plans to use the YTL Arena, which is still under construction, for the event. The arena is designed to be able to seat 17,000 spectators using the large space that was once used to build the largest aircraft ever built in the United Kingdom.

Nottingham

Nottingham City Council has announced that it will consider submitting a formal bid to host Eurovision in 2023 after first looking at the official nomination criteria that the BBC has set.

A spokesman for Nottingham City Council said:

“Nottingham has excellent credentials to host a prestigious and internationally popular show like the Eurovision Song Contest. We look forward to the publication of the detailed criteria and bidding process to then consider whether we will be able to submit a formal application to be the host city.”

Katrina supports Manchester

While the British cities submit their bid to host Eurovision 2023 one after another, Katrina Leskanich, the last winner of the British winner of Eurovision back in 1997, says that she supports Manchester hosting the contest.

Speaking shortly after the EBU’s announcement of the UK taking over the next event she said:

“There are only a few cities that claim hosting and I think that Manchester is one of them. It would be on top of my list because it meets all the criteria.”

City councilor Bev Craig confirmed that Manchester will submit its proposal for Eurovision 2023, pledging at the same time that it will be “A Eurovision to remember”!

The following cities are confirmed to have started preparations for their proposals:

  • Aberdeen
  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool
  • Manchester
  • Bristol
  • Sheffield

While the following cities have already declared their intention to bid:

  • Belfast
  • Birmingham
  • Brighton
  • Cardiff
  • Leeds
  • London
  • Newcastle
  • Nottingham
  • Sunderland
  • Wolverhampton

The Contest of 2023 will be the first contest since 1079 in which the winning country is not able to host the next year. Its the sixth time in total that the winning country doesn’t host the contest the following year. Eurovision 2023 also extends United Kingdom’s record of hosting, having hosted Eurovision a total of nine times.

Kalush Orchestra won Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Stefania”. It was Ukraine’s third win in the Contest.

https://youtu.be/F1fl60ypdLs

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Ukraine: Kalush Orchestra’s first reaction to the United Kingdom hosting Eurovision 2023!

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They offered us one of the most anticipated  TV moments of the year, winning Eurovision Song Contest 2022 and giving their fellow Ukrainians a moment of joy and hope in the middle of a war. And while Kalush Orchestra would have loved for Eurovision 2023 to be held in Ukraine, after EBU’s latest decision, they say they are “grateful” the United Kingdom will host on their behalf.

Speaking to the Press Association, lead singer of Kalush, Oleh Psiuk said:

“Of course, we are very sad that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be held in Ukraine next year. But we are grateful to the UK for their solidarity and for agreeing to hold the event in support of our country. We hope Eurovision 2023 will have a Ukrainian flavour and celebrate our beautiful, unique culture.

The singer of Kalush then went on to say that they will try to win once again!

“We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country. We will work closely with our colleagues at the Ukrainian broadcaster, UA:PBC and will showcase Ukrainian culture and music as a key part of the event.”

The BBC’s chief content officer has already made it clear that the show will honour Ukraine’s win and contain many Ukrainian elements. In an e-mail sent to BBC staff members, Charlotte Moore said:

“We will work closely with our colleagues at the Ukrainian broadcaster, UA:PBC and will showcase Ukrainian culture and music as a key part of the event.”

Kalush Orchestra represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2022 with the song “Stefania”  and won with 631 points and a record breaking 439 televote points.

https://youtu.be/F1fl60ypdLs

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the  Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Source: wiwiblogs