Earlier in the season, the EBU announced that Ukraine would not be in a position to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU were in talks with second place nation the United Kingdom, and it is now official that they will indeed host Eurovison 2023.
The BBC will take on hosting duties of Eurovision 2023 in association with winning broadcaster UA:PBC. Additionally, Ukraine will automatically qualify to the Grand Final along with the Big 5 as per tradition of the winning nation. While the UK will host the contest, the Ukrainian broadcaster will work with the BBC to develop Ukrainian elements of the show. It is unknown to what extent, however it is clear that the winning nation will be involved despite not being able to physically host the contest.
Who will host?
Host City bidding will begin this week. A number of cities have put their names forward for hosting, and the official bids will be reviewed in line with the guidelines for hosting. Some of the cities putting their name forward include:
- Aberdeen
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Manchester
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- London
- Newcastle
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
- Swindon
- Wolverhampton
Host Cities are expected to demonstrate that they can meet a list of expectations.
The host city criteria includes providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators and a press centre. It should be within easy reach of an international airport and have ample hotel accommodation.
‘We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023,’ said Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor.
‘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 added:
‘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.’