UK to host Eurovision for the first time in over 20 years

The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the UK for 2023, it has been confirmed today. 

Britain will host the event for the first time in twenty-four years after organisers decided it could not go ahead in Ukraine – who won this year’s competition – due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The UK came in second place thanks to Sam Ryder’s smash-hit ‘Spaceman’, prompting the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to open talks with the BBC.

A statement from BBC director general Tim Davie read: “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.”

A number of cities across the country have expressed their interest in hosting the prestigious event, Manchester included.

Last month, Councillor Pat Karney previously said he had been in talks with the lead of Manchester City Council Bev Craig to discuss the finer details of a Manchester-held Eurovision. 

Greater Manchester’s Night-time Economy Advisor Sacha Lord also supported the idea of bringing Eurovision to the region, writing on Twitter: “Bringing @Eurovision to Greater Manchester 2023, would be huge for our city region.

“We’re globally known for our music and I’m confident the right people would give it the full support, to make this happen.”

Eurovision tradition would see Ukraine host next year’s competition after Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won in Turin, Italy, this year. 

However, last month the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) concluded the ‘security and operational guarantees’ required to host the event cannot be met by Ukraine’s public broadcaster because of Russia’s invasion.

The UK last hosted from Birmingham in 1998 after Katrina and the Waves’ win. Harrogate, Brighton, Edinburgh and London have also been host cities.