Either Liverpool or Glasgow will host Eurovision 2023. The shortlist of cities has been cut from seven to just two today.
The announcement means that Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Sheffield have been taken out of the running to host. The competition is set to take place in May 2023.
The UK will host after placing second in the competition this year, the highest spot the UK has earned in 20 years. Traditionally, the winners automatically host the competition the year following their win, but the 2022 champions, Ukraine, could not host the 2023 competition due to the ongoing war.
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The BBC said in their announcement that the two remaining cities, both of which have riverside arena venues, had "the strongest overall offer" of the shortlisted cities. They also announced that a final decision would be made "within weeks".
The winning location will attract thousands of visitors, as well as around 160 million TV viewers around the world.
The original seven shortlisted cities were scored on a 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."
Glasgow has been the bookies' favourite to host the 67th annual contest, as it boasts a venue with 14,300 capacity (OVO Hydro arena). This venue was also used in Will Ferrell's film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga as the set for the competition.
Liverpool's M&S Bank arena has a capacity of 11,000 and is situated near the city centre's hotels and rail links. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year due to its rich musical history.
Eurovision organisers say the host city should have a venue to accommodate 10,000 spectators, be within easy reach of an international airport, and have enough hotel accommodation for at least 2,000 journalists, delegates, and ticket-buyers.
Responding to the announcement that Manchester was now out of the race, Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council, said: "We are of course disappointed not to be chosen to host next year's Eurovision, but we know that the successful city will put on an incredible event on behalf of our friends in Ukraine. Good luck to Liverpool and Glasgow. We can’t wait to see what the chosen city has in store for the show next year."
Coun Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesman, said on Twitter: "Congratulations to both great cities. Am disappointed but am sure one day Manchester will host Eurovision. We can bid with our new stadium."
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