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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
World
Bertie Adam

Swindon NOT bidding to host Eurovision 2023

Fans of the Eurovision Song Contest will already have had their excitement piqued by the news that the UK will be hosting next year's event.

What everybody wants to know is just where the celebrated competition will be held - fans in Swindon will have had their hopes dashed as the town council recently tweeted to confirm that they will not be putting their name into the hat.

The Tweet, published earlier this afternoon said:

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"Did someone say #Eurovison?

"We’re flattered to have our name linked to such an amazing event, but we won’t be bidding to be the host.

"We look forward to watching next year and can’t wait to enjoy the party!"

What does this mean for us, however? Well, we already know Mayor Marvin Rees has formally announced the city's intention to host the competition, so surely Swindon's withdrawal can only better our chances?

Mayor Rees announced the city's launching of a bid to host the competition on July 9 during the Pride celebrations at The Downs. A video was broadcast to the crowd just before Canadian headliner Carly Rae Jepsen came onto the stage.

In the video, Mayor Rees said: "Hello Pride, this is Bristol calling.

"It's great that everyone is here, in person, for Bristol Pride and I'm excited to talk about another opportunity for Bristol to come together again. Despite winning the Eurovision Song Contest in May, incredibly sadly, Ukraine won't host the contest in 2023 and the BBC have been asked to take on Eurovision next year.

"As a global and diverse City of Sanctuary, Bristol can be the caretaker of next year's Eurovision Song Contest. We're working in partnership with YTL Arena Bristol on a bid to bring Eurovision to the Brabazon Hangars.

"Bristol has the perfect site where we can custom build the perfect Eurovision Song Contest. We've got the Space, Man. You'll see what I've done there.

"Bristol's ready with a really strong bid and we need you to help us bring this home. We have posted this on social media - please share it.

"Tell the world how much you want Bristol to be the next home of Eurovision using our hashtag #ThisIsBristolCalling."

It was confirmed earlier today, July 25, that the UK would be hosting the competition on behalf of previous winners Ukraine.

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

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