United Kingdom confirmed to host Eurovision 2023

Virgin Radio

25 Jul 2022, 11:27

It’s official - Eurovision is coming back to the UK!

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom on behalf of Ukraine. 

Despite winning the 2022 contest, Ukraine will be unable to host due to the ongoing war with Russia, but will automatically qualify for the Grand Final along with the Big Five, including the UK.

It’s not yet known where in the UK the annual competition will take place, but host city bidding will start this week. 

The decision was made after the EBU looked into the safety and security of holding Eurovision in Ukraine, but found it was not possible to go ahead in the winning country. 

Ukrainian elements of the show will be developed with the BBC to ensure the country is represented, and the logo reflecting the very unique circumstances will be revealed soon.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said in a statement: “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.”

Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor, added: “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.”

The Eurovision Song Contest has previously been hosted in London, Edinburgh, Brighton, Harrogate and Birmingham, but we have a little while to go before the 2023 host city is announced. 

When it was first announced that Ukraine would be unable to host, Glasgow became one of the first cities to throw their hat in the ring. 

First Minister of Scotland, SNP Leader and MSP for Glasgow Southside, Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible.

"However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!! @scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others."

Watch this space!