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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: 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

Eurovision 2023: The United Kingdom will officially host the contest!

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The EBU, along with British public broadcaster BBC, have just officially confirmed what we already suspected: The runner-up of Eurovision 2022, the United Kingdom, is the country which has been chosen to host next year’s contest, due to the involvement of winning country Ukraine in an ongoing war.

Nevertheless, the show will contain both British and Ukrainian elements, in order to reflect Ukraine’s win with Kalush Orchestra. More specifically, the Eurovision site informs us of the following:

  • The BBC will take on hosting duties with the contest to be held in the United Kingdom in 2023
  • The bidding contest for the host city will begin this week
  • Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final along with the Big 5 (which includes the United Kingdom)
  • Representatives of Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop Ukrainian elements of the shows
  • The logo, which is to be revealed later, will reflect unique circumstances of staging.

Below are the statements from the Heads of all parties involved:

Martin Österdahl, Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor:

‘‘We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023, The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.”

Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA: PBC:

“The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us. I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.”

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General:

“It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.”

Details regarding the host city and the logo will, therefore, be released on a later date.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all news regarding Eurovision 2023!

After Boris Johnson, UK Culture Secretary also wishes Ukraine hosts Eurovision 2023

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After the EBU announcement that Ukraine is not able to host Eurovision 2023, talks began with BBC about hosting next year’s contest with Glasgow being the favorite to host the contest. However, there have been UK government officials who spoke against this decision, expressing their wish to see Ukraine being the host country.

During his arrival to UK after a meeting with the Ukrainian Prime minister, British prime minister Boris Johnson stated:

“Of course I would love it to be in this country but the fact is they won and they deserve to have it and I believe they can have it and I believe that they should have it (…) I believe that Kyiv or any other safe Ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to have it. It is a year away, it is going to be fine by the time the Eurovision Song Contest comes round and I hope the Ukrainians get it”

On Saturday, the UK Secretary of State for Culture Nadine Dorries joined the list of UK politicians who want Ukraine to host the contest. After a meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart Oleksandr Tkachenko, she tweeted:

 

EBU is currently in talks with BBC and there is yet a decision to be made as for the hosting country for 2023. Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: wiwibloggs

Poland: Deputy prime minister opposes EBU’s decision for Eurovision 2023!

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After the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture of Poland Piotr Glinski, opposes the decision of the EBU to remove the organization of Eurovision 2023 from Ukraine.

In an official statement signed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, the President of the country’s Public Television and the member of its Board of Directors stressed that they support the request of Ukraine for more time before the EBU makes its final decision. from all parties involved to ensure a model for Eurovision 2023, in which the participation as much as possible is made by Ukrainian producers, artists and of course the public.

The Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland and the TVP (Telewizja Polska) Management Board express their regret over the fact that the European Broadcasting Union decided to take away the right to organize the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 from the Ukrainian public broadcaster UA:PBC and started talks on the organization of this event with BBC.
We support the position of UA:PBC and the Ukrainian authorities, in which they call for negotiations on the organization of the competition with the participation of representatives of the winning country of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
We declare our continuous support for the Ukrainian public broadcaster in the search for such an organizational model for next year’s Eurovision 2023 competition, which will take into account the largest possible participation of Ukrainian artists and producers as well as the audience from Ukraine.
Piotr Gliński – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland
Jacek Kurski – President of the Management Board of TVP
Mateusz Matyszkowicz – Member of the Management Board of TVP
The announcement, another high-ranking third-country politician, adds to the pressure on the EBU, which has begun negotiations with the BBC and while Glasgow seems to be the big favorite to host Eurovision 2023.
We look forward to similar statements for which we will inform you.
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Boris Johnson: Ukraine can and should host next Eurovision Song Contest!

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Ukraine can and should host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday, after the organisers said they were in talks to hold it in Britain instead due to the war.

While decades-long tradition dictates that the winner of the contest gets to host it the following year, organisers said the security guarantees required to hold the competition in Ukraine meant discussions would be held with the runner up, Britain.

UK: First odds for Eurovision 2023 hosts!

“Of course I would love it to be in this country but the fact is they won and they deserve to have it and I believe they can have it and I believe that they should have it,” Johnson told reporters on arrival back in Britain after a visit to Kyiv.

“I believe that Kyiv or any other safe Ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to have it,” he added. “It is a year away, it is going to be fine by the time the Eurovision Song Contest comes round and I hope the Ukrainians get it.”

The comments by organiser the European Broadcasting Union on Friday that it was in discussions with British broadcaster the BBC to host the next event was greeted with disappointment in Kyiv, which demanded further negotiations.

Source: Reuters

UK: First odds for Eurovision 2023 hosts!

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It may be just a few hours after the United Kingdom actually “took over” the organization of Eurovision 2023, but already the first bets for the host of the contest have seen the light of day. Read more

Spain: Withdraws its interest in hosting Eurovision 2023!

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Since May 15, after the victory of Kalush Orchestra, the question on everyone’s mind is: “Where will Eurovision 2023 be held?”.

Although the Ukrainian authorities, as well as the national broadcaster Suspilne, have made it clear that the winning country will host the contest, several countries have expressed their interest to be considered as back-ups. Among others, the UK, Italy and Sweden have expressed their willingness to host the contest. It seems, however, that one of the strongest candidates has stepped back off the scene.

On 13 June, the newspaper ‘Faro De Vigo’ published a wide-ranging interview with the president of RTVE, José Manuel Pérez Tornero. Among other statements (happiness about Spain’s result in Turin, plans for a Latin American song contest), President Pérez Tornero made it clear that Spain would not host Eurovision 2023.

“We don’t want to stay under the illusion of a good result, we will aim to win next time. We would host the contest ourselves, but in the end, if Ukraine withdraws, the BBC will organise it.”

It is, therefore, obvious that Spain is out of contention.

But has the EBU come to a conclusion? Perhaps, as the RTVE chairman seems pretty sure that all options have been left aside except Ukraine (which seems to be the EBU’s main choice) and the UK as the only remaining fallback option.

Whatever the case, however, it is certain that the name of the host country and city will not be revealed any time soon.

Source: escbubble

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for all the latest news regarding Eurovision 2023!

United Kingdom: Aj Odudu will be revealing the country’s 12 points for Eurovision 2022!

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The BBC has revealed that AJ Odudu will announce the British jury votes for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.

AJ is best known for presenting TV shows she has done on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. In 2021 she completed in the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing before being forced to withdraw shortly before the final due to injury.

AJ will be the first UK spokesperson to announce the results of the judges’ vote from Manchester. Previously the BBC announced the results of the UK’s jury vote or televote from a studio in London.

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Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the updates regarding the British entry in Eurovision 2022!