United Kingdom Confirmed as Eurovision 2023 Host

The wait to know the location of Eurovision 2023 is over — after much speculation, the EBU has confirmed that the 67th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in the United Kingdom.

In a press release revealed today, the EBU announced that Eurovision 2023’s hosting duties will be assumed by the BBC, in collaboration with representatives of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC. Although Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra emerged victorious in 2022’s contest, the EBU ultimately decided that the ongoing war in Ukraine prevented the country from safely hosting the contest. The EBU then shifted its attention toward the BBC, given that the United Kingdom’s Sam Ryder landed his space craft in 2022’s runner-up position.

It is confirmed that Ukraine will automatically qualify to the 2023 Grand Final, as is tradition with the winner of the previous year. Furthermore, the logo of the contest will be designed to showcase the unique circumstances, celebrating the co-operation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the contest, reaffirms that all parties intend to work to ensure that Ukraine’s win is celebrated. “The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions,” he notes. “Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.”

The BBC has reflected this commitment, with its Director General Tim Davie adding, “the BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.”

Starting from next week, British cities will be able to officially enter the bidding process to decide where precisely the contest will take place. Already, many have expressed interest in throwing their microphones into the ring — notable examples which fulfil the EBU’s hosting criteria (host cities must have a roofed venue with a capacity of over 10,000, easy airport access, and a suitable press centre) include Glasgow, Manchester, London, Liverpool, and more. A complete list of every city which has bid to host will be revealed later this Summer.

The United Kingdom last hosted Eurovision in 1998, in Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena. The country has hosted on behalf of others four times in the past: for the Netherlands (1960), France (1963), Monaco (1972) and lastly for Luxembourg (1974).

How do #YOU feel about the United Kingdom hosting Eurovision 2023? Which city would you like to host? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our discord, or on our forum!