Glasgow and Liverpool are the only cities left in the running to host Eurovision 2023 after a shortlist of hosts was whittled down to just two.
Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester have been removed from contention to host the music event, which will take place in the UK next year in place of Ukraine.
And then there were two…
We can now reveal that #Eurovision 2023 will be hosted in either Glasgow or Liverpool 🥳
Learn all about the final two here: https://t.co/NNzZP97Ml6 pic.twitter.com/lxtwMYO6Ac
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) September 27, 2022
Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show could not be held safely in the country following Russia’s invasion.
As a result of Sam Ryder finishing in second place, either Liverpool or Glasgow will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.
The final decision will be made by the BBC in conjunction with the European Broadcasting Union.
Phil Harrold, the chairman of the BBC’s host city selection committee, said: “Thanks to all seven cities across the UK who have demonstrated the enthusiasm and passion for Eurovision that exists right across the UK.
“We were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of all the city bids in what was a highly competitive field.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is a very complex event and Liverpool and Glasgow have the strongest overall offer; we will continue our discussions with them to determine the eventual host city.
“We are determined to make the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest one that both reflects the winning position of Ukraine and is also an event that all of the UK can participate in.”
Who you got? 👀 pic.twitter.com/MhKGUNQxkJ
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) September 27, 2022
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said the city has “everything it takes” to host Eurovision.
“We’re excited that Glasgow has made it to the final two cities in the running to host Eurovision and a celebration of Ukraine next year,” she said.
“The competition has been very strong but Glasgow has an unrivalled track record for successfully hosting major global events.
“Between that experience and expertise; our famous live music scene and one of the world’s top entertainment venues in the OVO Hydro – Glasgow has everything it takes to host a show that the whole Eurovision family can be proud of.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It’s an honour for the UK to host Eurovision 2023 and pay tribute to the culture and creativity of Ukraine.
“Glasgow has got what it takes to go all the way. Famous around the world for its brilliant music and welcoming spirit, with a track record in delivering global events, we know our biggest city would put on a fantastic show.”
Edinburgh is the only Scottish city to have hosted Eurovision, with the Usher Hall having the honour in 1972.
It was also the fictional host in the Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdam.
In the movie however, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro doubled as the arena in which the event was taking place.
Liverpool, meanwhile, has never hosted the event before – fictionally or otherwise.
The city’s Mayor Joanne Anderson said she was “delighted” with the city being one of the remaining two in contention.
Absolutely delighted #Liverpool has made the final two for the #Eurovision2023 shortlist.
Nowhere throws a party quite like us. The people, communities & businesses of our city are ready to put on a show – for Ukraine, the UK & for Europe.
Eurovision in Liverpool. Imagine 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/4FW54rYPZ7
— Joanne Anderson (@MayorLpool) September 27, 2022
She tweeted: “Absolutely delighted #Liverpool has made the final two for the #Eurovision2023 shortlist.
“Nowhere throws a party quite like us. The people, communities & businesses of our city are ready to put on a show – for Ukraine, the UK & for Europe.
“Eurovision in Liverpool. Imagine”
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