Yesterday, the EBU released a statement regarding the plans for Eurovision 2023 hosting.
According to the statement, the current situation in Ukraine makes it impossible for them to host Eurovision 2023.
Therefore, the EBU has started talking with the United Kingdom’s broadcaster (BBC) in order to plan Eurovision 2023.
The EBU has started talking to the BBC in order to organize Eurovision 2023 in the UK’s territory
Following this, several cities have been suggested (officially and unofficially) to host Eurovision 2023
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and one of the biggest 5 cities in the UK.
A possible venue is OVO Hydro on the River Clyde.
The arena has a capacity of around 14,500.
Stewart McDonald, Member of Parliament for Glasgow South, is one of the supporters of Glasgow hosting Eurovision 2023
Another supporter is Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon:
The arena featured in the “Fira Saga Eurovision” movie, broadcast by Netflix.
Leeds
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds, and councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economics and culture, have released a mutual statement
Both of them reacted:
We are extremely disappointed that Ukraine will be unable to host in 2023, but it would be an honour to host on behalf of them, especially given that West Yorkshire is home to a large number of Ukrainians. If we are successful with our bid, we will be looking to get the local Ukrainian community involved with our plans as much as possible
The possible venue will be the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
The arena’s capacity is around 13,500-14,000. It is one of the biggest 5 venues in the United Kingdom.
London
The capital city of the UK is also an option.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, released a statement on Twitter:
He has also mentioned having London hosting Eurovision 2023, a special tribute to Ukraine will be given.
London has 2 potential venues to host Eurovision 2023:
- O2 Arena with a capacity of around 20,000.
- OVO Arena Wembley with a capacity of around 12,500.
London has been the host city of Eurovision for 4 times already: 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977
Liverpool
Liverpool are interested in hosting Eurovision 2023 as well.
The Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said:
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and would like the opportunity for Liverpool to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and in doing so pay tribute to their wonderful country.
We are an events city and no one can stage a party like us. Culture is synonymous with Liverpool, and we tick all the boxes to be next year’s host – great venues, enviable experiences, a world-renowned music heritage, UNESCO City of Music status, and of course the warm Scouse welcome can’t be beaten.
The event would become a beacon of hope around the world and we hope that Liverpool as an unrivaled music brand is given serious consideration by the decision-makers.”
Manchester
Another possible host city is Manchester.
We would like to remind you that Manchester can suggest a wonderful advantage, as the BBC studios are located in Salford.
A possible venue is Manchester AO Arena, with a capacity of 21,000. In fact, it is one of the largest venues (seats wisely) in the UK.
Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester Sacha Lor has shown his support in the city hosting Eurovision 2023
In addition, the Leader of the City of Manchester, Bev Craig has supported the idea:
Cardiff
Cardiff is widely regarded as being the city with the most castles in the world.
This is the largest city in Wales.
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff is one of the largest venues in the UK with a capacity of 70,000!
Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies has shown interest in hosting Eurovision 2023 in Cardiff:
The leader of Cardiff Council, Huw Thomas, joined in supporting
Brighton
Brighton City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty said “it would be an honour to host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.”
The city hosted Eurovision in 1974, when the ABBA band was crowned as the winners.
However, finding a suitable venue might be challenging.
Brighton Centre has a limited capacity of around 4500-5000.
It doesn’t meet the required conditions by the EBU (a capacity of at least 8000).
It is less likely to see Brighton hosting Eurovision 2023.
