Eurovision 2023: Edinburgh in the race to host the contest!

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Just hours before the announcement of the final shortlist of cities to host Eurovision 2023, the city of Edinburgh has confirmed that it has submitted a bid to host the upcoming Song Contest.

Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is the fourteenth UK city to confirm its bid to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Cammy Day, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, told the Edinburgh News:

It is, of course, regrettable that this year’s winners, Ukraine, cannot host the 2023 competition in their country, but it would be an honor to host the competition, together with Kyiv, as it is a sister city to us and Edinburgh has become home to many thousands of Ukrainians in recent months. Our capital became the first city outside London to host the event in 1972 and more recently, fictionally, in the Netflix movie “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga!”. But hosting Europe for 2023 is an opportunity to welcome our friends from participating countries to the most iconic song contest, showcasing Edinburgh’s culture, heritage and history.

However, the Scottish capital seems unlikely to be chosen as the host city of Eurovision 2023, as at the moment at least, it does not have a suitable indoor venue to hold the competition’s three shows.

Eurovision have been held in the city twice before, in 1972 when it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and in 2018 it hosted Eurovision Young Musicians.

The first phase of selection has been completed

Eleven cities have publicly announced their bid to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest next May. Tomorrow  , Friday, August 12,  we will officially know  the cities that pass to the second and final selection phase  and will definitely claim to host  Eurovision 2023.

The announcement will be made through the morning radio show of the BBC’s second program entitled ” BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show “.

Following the first round of nominations, the  BBC  and the EBU  have now identified the nominations that meet the requirements and have the ability to host Europe’s biggest televised event and will announce them to the general public tomorrow.

The 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 BBC  and the EBU who decide the host city.

The following cities have confirmed that they have already submitted their proposals:

  • Aberdeen
  • Edinburgh
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool
  • Newcastle
  • Belfast
  • Sheffield
  • Leeds
  • Darlington

While the following cities have already indicated their intention to submit their own proposals, but have not yet formally done so:

  • Brighton
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Nottingham
  • Wolverhampton

In which city would you like Eurovision 2023 to take place?

Source: Edinburgh News

Eurovision 2023: Schedule conflict will force UK host cities to cancel other events to make way for ESC!

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One problem that the EBU and the BBC will be asked to manage in view of the choice of Host City for Eurovision 2023 is that of the already scheduled events for next spring.

As is known, in order to make all the necessary preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest, it takes a little more than six weeks. This means that the contest venue should be free for this period of time.

Nevertheless, the announcement during the summer of Eurovision 2023 on British soil is going to overturn the planning of all indoor arenas that have scheduled events for this period.

Artists and shows such as Magic Mike, André Rieu and Elton John have scheduled events in the candidate cities and candidate indoor arenas that want to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.

In fact, the producers of the Magic Mike Tour confirmed in a BBC News report that no one has asked them to reschedule their shows in Newcastle and Manchester. Tickets for the shows are already on sale, as the final decision on the host city won’t be made until the fall. We remind you that both cities are in the running to host Eurovision 2023.

Despite the planning for that period so far, the executives of many of the indoor arenas told BBC News that if they are selected to hold the next competition, they will immediately proceed to discussions with the producers of the planned events in order to reschedule them.

Scheduled Events

The scheduled events for the period April – May 2023 in the candidate cities for Eurovision 2023 are:

Aberdeen P&J Live

10 – 11 April – Jurassic Live

20 April – Magic Mike

25 May – André Rieu

Belfast SSE

31 March – Elton John

1 April – Belfast Giants vs Guildford Flame

20 April – André Rieu

22 April – Magic Mike

29 April – Biggest 90s Disco

20 May – Anything For Love

Birmingham Utilita

26 – 27 March – Celine Dion

28 April – Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe

1 May – Magic Mike

Birmingham Resorts World

15 April – André Rieu

19 April – Elton John

Glasgow OVO Hydro

2 – 3 April – Celine Dion

18 April – Sabaton

25 April – Magic Mike

27 April – André Rieu

Leeds First Direct Arena

1 April – Europe’s Strongest Man

14 April – Sabaton

22 April – Michael Starring Ben

29 April – Magic Mike

11 May – André Rieu

Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

22 – 23 April – Elton John

24 April – Magic Mike

29 April – Reminisce in Concert

30 April – Michael Starring Ben

12 May – André Rieu

London O2 Arena

2 – 9 April – Elton John

10 – 11 April – Celine Dion

12 – 13 & 16 – 17 April – Elton John

21 April – Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe

30 April – Tokio Hotel

8 May – Måneskin

14 May – British Basketball Play-Off Finals

London OVO Wembley Arena

14 April – André Rieu

15 April – Sabaton

23 April – Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe

4 May – Stromae

Manchester AO Arena

5 – 6 April – Celine Dion

14 April – Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe

2 May – Magic Mike

Newcastle Utilita Arena

27 April – Magic Mike

Sheffield Utilita Arena

1 April – Steelers v Glagsow Clan

26 April – Magic Mike

13 May – André Rieu

Selection Process

In two days, on Friday, August 12, 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 that the BBC will reveal on Friday 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.

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
  • Belfast
  • Sheffield
  • Leeds

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

  • Brighton
  • Derry
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Nottingham
  • 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: BBC

Eurovision 2023: Sheffield, Bristol and Leeds submitted their bids for the contest!

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Three more cities are being added to the long list of cities keen to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place next May in the UK.

Sheffield

Sheffield City Council has announced that they have submitted the city’s bid for Eurovision 2023. The proposed venue is the 13,600 capacity Utilita Sheffield Arena, built in 1991.

Sheffield is honoured to be bidding to be the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. While Sheffield will be the Host City, we have come together in solidarity as a region to support our bid, drawing on the assets and strengths of our communities across South Yorkshire…

We are working in partnership with Sheffield City Trust, SYMCA, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham councils to deliver the bid application requirements and continue to demonstrate our capability and aspiration to deliver this international event on behalf of the Ukrainian people.

Bristol

The mayor of Bristol announced on social networks the official submission of a proposal to host Eurovision 2023. With the slogan that they have put the Ukrainians at the heart of their candidacy, Bristol hopes to be the one to win the event.

https://twitter.com/MarvinJRees/status/1557071716731346947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1557071716731346947%7Ctwgr%5Ec6e7b996eaad7869327e4849f7b40b5d41bd94bc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurovisionfun.com%2F2022%2F08%2Feurovision-2023-CF83CEADCF86CEB9CEBBCEBDCF84-CEBCCF80CF81CEAFCF83CF84CEBFCEBB-CEBACEB1CEB9-CEBBCEB9CEBDCF84CF82-CF85CF80CEADCEB2CEB1CEBB%2F

As a venue, Bristol proposes the YTL Arena which is under construction and which will be completed a few months before Eurovision 2023, next May.

Leeds

The city council of Leeds has announced the submission of their own city’s proposal to host Eurovision 2023. As a venue they propose the First Direct Arena, built in 2013 and with a capacity of approximately 13,000 people.

Selection Process

In two 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.

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
  • Belfast
  • Sheffield
  • Leeds

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

  • Brighton
  • Derry
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Nottingham
  • 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

Eurovision 2023: Liverpool and Belfast enter the Host City bid race!

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We have previously highlighted the great interest shown by cities across UK to host the ESC. And while we await BBC’s announcement of the shortlist, on August 12, we still have two cities that enter the Host City bid race, Liverpool and Belfast. Liverpool  submitted an official bid to host ESC, and the city of Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, seems to be planning to submit an official bid soon. 

Liverpool

Liverpool City Council announced today that it has submitted its bid to host the ESC 2023, ahead of the BBC’s share of the shortlist this Friday. Liverpool was among the first cities to express interest in hosting the event, when it was first announced that the EBU and the BBC were discussing the scenario of hosting Eurovision in the UK.

The city is world famous as the birthplace of the Beatles, as well as for its international music events such as “Africa Oyé”, “Liverpool International Music Festival” and “Sound City”. The city has a population of around half a million, and it is known for its iconic music venues and cultural events. It is also well connected to the world with its international airport (Liverpool John Lennon Airport).

Assistant Mayor and Councilor for Culture and Economy, Harry Doyle, said (translated):

We are excited to have submitted a bid for Liverpool to host Eurovision 2023.

Making a major event like this possible in such a short timeframe is complicated and is going to need some careful and creative planning, but we think Liverpool would be the perfect stage to celebrate this unique Eurovision.

We look forward to finding out if we have been successful in getting through to the next stage of the process.

Belfast

We have already reported the interest in organizing the Competition in the capital of N. Ireland, and the support of this initiative by previous Eurovision winners. Belfast City Council has confirmed that the city is indeed interested in hosting the event, with the final decision expected to be made tomorrow, August 10.

The announcement of the Municipal Council is as follows:

An initial expression of interest for Belfast to host the Eurovision event has been submitted and is now being considered by event organisers.

If shortlisted, the next step would be to submit a full event proposal, outlining how Belfast would meet the detailed requirements to become a host city.

This will be a decision for elected members and will be considered by the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee at its next meeting on Wednesday 10 August.

What’s your take on the Host City bid race? Could Liverpool or Belfast host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest? 

Eurovision 2023: Newcastle is “in” and Derry is “out” of Host City bid race!

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We have already reported the flurry of excitement across UK, and among cities willing to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. And while we await the announcement of the shortlist on August 12, the developments on this front are still coming through, with Newcastle confirming the submission of an official bid, and Derry clarifying that it is no longer interested in hosting the event.

Withdrawal of interest by Derry (N. Ireland)

According to a recent article, Derry, the second most populous city in N. Ireland, appears to have changed its mind and will not proceed with an official bid to host the Competition in the city, despite its initial interest. A spokesperson for Derry City Council said:

Following the resolution at June’s Council meeting “that Council Officers investigate the feasibility of submitting a bid to host the 2023 Eurovision Final”, Council has advised its elected members that the hosting criteria has been reviewed.

The Council area is unable to fulfill a number of the essential minimum criteria in relation to the provision of a suitable venue and supporting accommodation infrastructure. On that basis, it was recommended that a Stage 1 bid is not submitted.

Official bid by Newcastle (NE England)

The formal bid was submitted by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Confirming the Council’s plans, NGI Director, Ian Thomas, said:

This is a once in a generation opportunity to welcome a huge number of international visitors, performers and media to the North East of England and to showcase our world- class culture, rich heritage and vibrant region to the world.

Our bid is a region-wide effort with support from our local authorities, and public and private sector partners from across the North East as we recognise the enormity of this opportunity.

The potential impact of Newcastle hosting Eurovision 2023 is phenomenal. Eurovision will play a significant role in rejuvenating and sustaining our visitor economy, supporting our businesses and creating an even better place for our residents.

Addressing the city’s success at hosting other large scale events, he added:

We’ve seen other large events such as the European Professional Rugby Club finals attract 95,000 fans to the region which contributed £24m to our visitor economy in 2019, and World Transplant Games also in 2019 brought in attendees from over 50 countries which pushed hotel occupancy rates up by 13%, supporting the hospitality supply chain and helping to sustain jobs within the industry.

Eurovision will be on an even bigger scale, and we welcome this fantastic opportunity to bring this to the region.

Councillor Alex Hay of the Newcastle City Council, said:

“We are delighted to be bidding to host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with its people. We are collaborating with partners across the region to help make this a reality for Newcastle, to do Ukraine proud and to embody everything that Eurovision stands for.

We’re committed to making Newcastle a better place for our residents and visitors, and hosting Eurovision will be a crucial tool in achieving that.

It will not only showcase the city and its incredible people on a global stage, but it will have a tangible social and economic impact in bringing financial investment into the city, helping change perceptions of the North East, and build a lasting legacy for our city.

We are a certified City of Sanctuary, which strengthens our message that everyone is welcome here. Music is a big part of our heritage and it’s time for us to write a new verse in that history.

We are Newcastle, we are a safe city, famous for our Geordie welcome, we stand united with Ukraine – and we are the perfect host for Eurovision 2023.

Would Newcastle be a good host for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest? Stay tuned for any updates!

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: 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!