NICOLA Sturgeon has thrown Glasgow's name in the ring as the potential host of next year's Eurovision Song Contest.
It comes as organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest confirmed they are in discussions with the BBC after it was decided Ukraine’s public broadcaster would be unable to host the event safely.
It is tradition for the winner’s of the contest to host the competition the following year.
However, in the wake of Ukraine winning this year’s contest the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had been exploring whether Ukraine’s public broadcaster, UA:PBC, would be able to stage the event.
In a statement released on the official Eurovision Song Contest Twitter the EBU said: “Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year’s winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most complex TV productions in the world with thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed.
“Following objective analysis, the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organize and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.”
The statement then confirmed that the EBU would be entering into discussions with the BBC, due to the United Kingdom’s second place finish at this year’s competition.
It said: “As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.
“It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts.”
In response to the announcement the First Minister tweeted: "We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible.
"However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!
"@scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others"
The BBC have issued an official response to the EBU’s announcement.
It said: “We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly these aren’t a set of circumstances anyone would want.
“Following their decision we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.”
🏴🇪🇺 Glasgow is the obvious place to host Eurovision. Everywhere else can stand down. #Eurovision
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) June 17, 2022
Green MSP Ross Greer stated it was "hard to think of a city more suited to Eurovision than Glasgow"
He said: "Whether its COP26, the Commonwealth Games or the European Athletics Championships, the city’s ability to host major events and put on a great welcome has been proven beyond a doubt.
"Add to that our brilliant local music scene and it’s clear that Glasgow ticks all the boxes.
"These obviously aren’t the circumstances anyone would have wished for and it is desperately sad that Ukraine is unable to host the event itself.
"So, let’s bring Eurovision to Glasgow, and do our Ukrainian friends proud by putting on a great competition and paying tribute to the inspiring resilience and perseverance of the Ukrainian people.”
There has been speculation that the 14,000 capacity OVO Hydro in Glasgow will be chosen as the venue for next year’s competition after fans noticed the venue had no events planned for May 2023.
Scotland would be a fantastic host for the Eurovision Song Contest. #Eurovision 🏴🇪🇺 https://t.co/XfhiFEFd4C
— Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) June 17, 2022
In the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, the Hydro was shown as the host of the international competition - but according to the storyline, the venue was actually in Edinburgh.
London’s O2 Arena is another strong contender as the largest indoor arena in the city. The OVO Wembley Arena could also be in contention as the second-largest in London, with a capacity of 12,500.
Hosting Eurovision is an expensive undertaking. In 2012 Azerbaijan spent £48 million on holding the competition.
Still, it is likely that many cities across the UK will be eager to host as the event is not always held in the capital cities of the host nation and attracts thousands of tourists.
In 1972 the event was held in Edinburgh at the Usher Hall, although it has now far outgrown the venue’s 2200 capacity.
The last time Britain hosted Eurovision was 1998, following Katrina and the Waves’s win the previous year.
