The BBC & the EBU have announced the seven cities shortlisted to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
The shortlisted cities are Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle & Sheffield. They were narrowed down from 20 countries which expressed an interest in hosting.
The news was announced on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show by Zoe Ball and Scott Mills, with the help of Martin Österdahl, at 08:40 BST. The ten-minute portion of the Breakfast Show was simulcast live on BBC One, with an in-vision link to the Radio studio.
As many predicted, London didn’t make the cut, despite the odds believing it would. In fact, no southern city found itself on the shortlist at all. This seems to be as a result of the BBC’s and the Government’s agenda to give opportunities to other, often neglected, parts of Britain as part of the Levelling Up policy.
The seven shortlisted cities will be now required to submit a formal bid to the EBU, based around a very specific set of criteria, including:
- “Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest
- “The commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution
- “The strength of the cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music
- “And alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster, such as providing value to all audiences and supporting the creative economy in the UK”
The final decision on the host city will be made by the EBU, with consultation from the BBC, and will likely be announced in 3-5 weeks time. Additionally, the dates of the contest will be announced at the same time.
