Manchester is a ‘leading candidate’ to host Eurovision 2023

Manchester could be Eurovision’s next host for 2023, new odds are suggesting today.

It was announced yesterday that the UK will host the annual song contest for the first time in twenty-four years, with organisers deciding 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.

Almost immediately after yesterday’s announcement, rumours as to which city will welcome the song contest have been rife, with Mancunians voicing their reasons as to why the city would be the perfect spot. 

And luckily for us, new odds presented by Ace Odds are suggesting that Manchester is one of the favourite locations for the song contest to take place, with the city having a 40% chance of being crowned the host for 2023.

The only city with higher odds than Manchester is Glasgow, which has a 54% chance of being Eurovision’s home for the year.

London, meanwhile, is the third most likely to host, with a 16.7% chance of victory.

Manchester City Council has already expressed its interest in hosting the competition, with Councillor Pat Karney previously engaging in talks with the leader 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.”

To be in with a chance of hosting the song contest next year, each city needs to formally apply to both the BBC and the EBU.

Then, prospective cities will have to explain how they can fit the criteria as host by demonstrating their transfer links, adequate accommodation selection and whether they have a big enough venue.

Each city will also need to market themselves as being the best option by showcasing what they could bring to the event.