Last week, the shortlist was announced for which UK city will be hosting Eurovision 2023. This comes after we found out the UK would be the host country after being runners up this year with Sam Ryder’s SpaceMan. Ukraine won the competition but are unable to host so that honour falls upon the UK. Now the only question is, which city should get to host it?
The Criteria
The BBC explained that the seven remaining cities will be scored on a set of criteria, the BBC, 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”
Here are some reasons why each city should get a shot.
Birmingham
Birmingham has just finished hosting the Commonwealth Games and did a fantastic job of it, so this will definitely work in the city’s favour. It was also the last UK city to host Eurovision back in 1998 so the experience is there.
If Birmingham were to be chosen the contest would be held at Resorts World Arena , which has a capacity of 15,685 people. It hosted Concert for Ukraine back in March which featured celebrity performances to raise money.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the only city in Scotland to make the shortlist and if they were to host it would be in the OVO Hydro Arena.
The arena holds a capacity of 14,300 people and has been previously used for BBC Sports Personality of the Year. There are plenty of hotels and stations nearby as well as space for a press centre.
Leeds
The Mayor of Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Leeds has been shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023 – it’s an amazing city, bursting at the seams with vibrant creativity and would shine given the chance to host this event.”
It would take place at the First Direct Arena which has a capacity of 13,781 and is in the city centre, making it close to hotels and rail links.
Liverpool
Home of the Beatles, Liverpool has a rich music history which would definitely work in its favour for Eurovision as it already brings many music-lovers to the city. In the past the city hosted major events such as the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2008.
If they got to host Eurovision it would be at the 11,000 capacity dockside M&S Bank Arena which is next to a conference centre and near the city centre’s hotels and rail links.
Manchester
Out of the seven shortlisted cities, Manchester is home to the most Ukrainian people so this would be fitting given Ukraine were supposed to host. It also has the biggest indoor venue in the UK, the AO Arena with a huge capacity of 21,000 people.
The arena has hosted a variety of concerts and major boxing matches, as well as January’s big night of musicals. Salford in Greater Manchester became the BBC’s Eurovision HQ this year, with AJ Odudu delivering the UK scores from MediaCity.
Newcastle
The toon has also made the shortlist and they even want it to be hosted by Ant and Dec. North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll tweeted: “Congratulations to Newcastle for making the shortlist for the Eurovision Song Contest. As we know, there’s no better place to hold a party, so it’s the perfect location. Maybe Ant and Dec could host it!”
It would be hosted at the 11,000 capacity, Utilita Arena which is close to the main train station and other facilities.
Sheffield
The steel city made the shortlist and would host at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena which has a capacity of 13,600.It was built to host the World Student Games, hosted the 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and in 2014 was the media centre and the finish line for The Tour de France Grand Depart.
The arena has great tram and motorway links despite being outside the city centre.
Overall, the list is a major win for the Midlands and the North. Let us know in the comments who you want to host!