The BBC has announced the seven shortlisted host cities for Eurovision Song Contest 2023

On 12 August, the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced the shortlist of UK cities shortlisted to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in May.

The shortlist was revealed on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, with a guest appearance from Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl, declaring the Host City race ‘good to go’!

Joining them was DJ (and Eurovision mega-fan) Scott Mills, who explained that the United Kingdom was hosting the Contest on behalf of Ukraine who won last year thanks to Kalush Orchestra and their song Stefania.

On the selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 host city

The BBC had expressions of interest from 20 cities, across all four nations of the United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All applicants demonstrated how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities to mark the fact that Ukraine is the winner of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The 7 cities were shortlisted based on their ability to meet a set of minimum requirements that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity. Given the short period of time available until the event will be staged, the selection process was heavily weighted towards demonstrating past experience in hosting major international events, as well as being able to demonstrate credentials in hosting a celebration of contemporary music.

The Shortlisted Host Cities will now go through to the second and final stage, where they will be asked to develop their bids in more detail. The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be decided by the BBC in conjunction with the EBU, and the successful city will be announced in the Autumn.

The final decision on the winning Host City will be determined by which city or region scores highest against the agreed evaluation criteria, assessed by the BBC.

These criteria include:

• Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Eurovision 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 acts as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music
• 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

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director Unscripted Content says:

“‘e would like to thank all of the cities and regions that submitted bids to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We have seven fantastic cities who we are taking through to the next round. Congratulations to Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield – it’s exciting to see such a breadth of bids going through from across the UK. We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”

Illustration: Eurovision.tv
Source: Eurovision.tv, BBC / OurVision International