Glasgow OVO Hydro Arena - Potential host of Eurovision 2023

Despite its victory at the 2022 contest, Ukraine won’t be able to host Eurovision 2023 because of Russia’s ongoing war. On 17 June, the EBU confirmed talks will begin with the BBC to discuss the possibility of the United Kingdom hosting the prestigious song contest next year. As such, the Eurovision 2023 host city rumour mill is already turning.

A number of spokespersons for British cities have already announced their interest to host the contest. Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, London…let’s dive into the hopefuls. 

Eurovision 2023 in the UK: Cities express interest in hosting 

Glasgow, Scotland

The city on everybody’s lips is Glasgow. Home to Eurovision 1969 winner Lulu and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Lawrence Chaney, Glasgow is a bustling hub of Scottish culture and is tipped as one of the locations in the running to host Eurovision next year. 

In 2020, Scotland’s second city was the fictional host of Eurovision in Will Ferrell’s Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, with festivities taking place inside the OVO Hydro Arena. Now, life could imitate art. The OVO Hydro seats 14,000 spectators, meeting the 10,000 capacity minimum as outlined by the EBU. The Nancy Drews of the Eurovision fandom also sleuthed out a gap in the arena’s schedule for most of May 2023

International transport is covered by Glasgow Airport — Scotland’s second largest airport — which serves nine million passengers every year. 

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, expressed her support for bringing Eurovision 2023 the banks of the River Clyde, referencing OVO Hydro. 

Sturgeon wrote: “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 the banks o the River Clyde!”.

Manchester, England

Manchester, the UK’s third largest city and the economic capital of North West England, could also be in the running to house Europe’s favourite TV show.

Manchester is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Home to a large gay scene centred on Canal Street, Manchester is revered for its ever-popular blowout Pride festivals and bustling nightlife. The Mancunians also gave us many British pop music legends. M People, The Chemical Brothers, Take That, and Britpop superstars Oasis all got their start in the city. 

The city is served well by Manchester Airport and a local tram network, providing swift passage across its many suburbs. Neighbouring city Salford is home to the BBC’s northern base of operations, MediaCityUK, which makes for simpler logistic movements. 

As for venue, Manchester’s AO Arena seats 21,000 people. Aside from an early performance of Magic Mike — The Arena Tour on 2 May and Elton John’s concert on 31 May, the arena’s schedule is clear for Eurovision month

Manchester City Council revelled in the thoughts of its city hosting the contest, writing on Twitter: “We can think of the perfect place to host Eurovision 2023”.

Liverpool, England

Liverpool has a rich musical history. Home to Atomic Kitten, Cilla Black and The Beatles, tourists can walk in the footsteps of history as they explore the unique blend of antiquity and modernity seen throughout Liverpool’s Georgian streets. 

In the heart of Liverpool’s dockyard, M&S Bank Arena has a capacity for 11,000 spectators. Meanwhile, the neighbouring convention centre meets the requirements for a press centre. Its schedule is free for most of May 2023 bar an Andre Rieu concert on 12 May — which could be rescheduled to allow for the big show to take place. 

The city is serviced by train and bus links, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport opening the skies to international travel. 

Liverpool Echo reported local leaders will make a strong case for their city to host the contest next year. 

Harry Doyle, Councillor for Knotty Ash, wrote on Twitter: “This is bittersweet. Ukraine as a sovereign nation should have had the opportunity to host this. I will be making a serious case for Liverpool to host “Eurovision. Our city would transform into Ukraine for the event and be a beacon of hope.”

Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, echoed: “We send our love and solidarity as always to the people of Ukraine. Our city would love to do you proud and give your beautiful country the Eurovision platform it deserves”.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

All of the UK’s hostings to date have taken place in England, with the exception of the 1972 contest in Edinburgh, Scotland. Northern Ireland and Wales are yet to share a slice of Great British glory. Belfast’s hosting would break that trend. 

The Northern Irish capital has successfully hosted numerous international events, including the Giro d’Italia in 2014 and the MTV EMA awards in 2011. 

Belfast International Airport welcomes flights from all over Europe, while Belfast’s SSE Arena boasts an 11,000 spectator capacity. Additionally, the arena’s schedule is clear for the entirety of May 2023. 

Councillors are eager to bring the contest to their city. 

Belfast’s Green Party told BelfastLive: “The Eurovision Song Contest is watched by millions of fans around the world and host countries often use the opportunity to promote their countryside, towns and cities beyond the host city limits, so not only would this be a huge opportunity for Belfast, but also for the whole of Northern Ireland to be shown off on the world stage.”

London, England

British capital London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Inhabited by 9 million city dwellers and home to iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden and the London Eye, the skyline is recognised across the world. 

Serviced by three major airports — Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton — and the efficient London Underground tube system, artists, press and fans will be able to navigate the city with ease. The city also boasts numerous venue options, with both the O2 Arena and OVO Wembley seating well over 10,000 spectators.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, wrote on Twitter: “Londoners would welcome Eurovision with open arms.”

However, some have commented on the need to diversify and bring tourism to other part of the UK away from the capital. 

Wiwibloggs’ William Lee Adams told the BBC: “Foreign fans are so excited about the chance to come to the UK, the birthplace of pop music”.

He added: “I really don’t think the UK can go wrong wherever they host. I do think it will be outside of London. Obviously the BBC wants to showcase all communities, and London gets a lot already.”

 
 
 
 
 
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Leeds, England

In the heart of West Yorkshire, Leeds an industrial powerhouse and one of the UK’s largest cities. 

With a capacity of 13,000, the First Direct Arena meets the EBU’s minimum requirements. Meanwhile, Leeds Bradford Airport covers a wide span of the continent.

Leeds City Council has also announced its intention to bid to host Eurovision 2023 in West Yorkshire, announcing it has already been in touch with the BBC to outline its hosting plans.

t goes without saying that Leeds will be bidding to host Eurovision in 2023. Together with ASM Global, the operators of the first direct arena in Leeds, we have already been in touch with both the Government and the BBC to discuss our plans. Leeds has already proved that it has the capability and capacity to host major international events and ASM Global successfully hosted Eurovision in the Avicii Arena, Stockholm Sweden in 2016.

In a joint statement, councillors James Lewis and Jonathan Prior wrote: “Given that we will be mid-way through the Leeds 2023 year of culture, [hosting Eurovision] could not come at a better time.

“We are extremely disappointed that Ukraine will be unable to host in 2023, but it would be an honour to host on behalf of them, especially given that West Yorkshire is home to a large number of Ukrainians. If we are successful with our bid, we will be looking to get the local Ukrainian community involved with our plans as much as possible.”

Aberdeen, Scotland

As one of the UK’s northernmost cities, Aberdeen is famous for its fishing ports, world-renowned university, and lively cultural scene steeped in Scottish history.

In a letter addressed to BBC Chief Executive Tim Davie, an assembly of six Scottish Members of Parliament detailed Aberdeen’s infrastructure and highlighted the facilities available for hosting Eurovision 2023. 

The team suggested using P&J Live, with its capacity of 15,000 spectators, as the host venue. 

They wrote: “All of us wish Ukraine was in a position to host the contest next year, but we feel very strongly that Aberdeen can deliver a show that will match any city in the world. 

“We urge you to consider Aberdeen as a host venue for Eurovision 2023 and look forward to hearing from you in due course.”

Birmingham, England

Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city. Known for its picturesque canals and melting pot of cultures, Birmingham is campaigning to bring Eurovision back to Brum, 25 years after its last hosting.

Eurovision 1998 was hosted in Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena, now known as the Utilita Arena. The venue has a capacity of 15,000 spectators, and has proved it is capable of hosting Eurovision. Birmingham also boasts a second possible venue — the Resorts World Arena also has a capacity of 15,000. 

Councillor John O’Shea wrote on Twitter: “Birmingham has done it before. It can do it again.”

Cardiff, Wales

Kevin Brennan, an MP representing parts of the Welsh capital Cardiff, points to Principality Stadium — the national stadium of Wales. Built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup, it’s hosted everything from the Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain to football matches during the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Locals know it best as the home of the Wales national rugby union team. 

Wolverhampton, England

Claire Darke, the former mayor of Wolverhampton and a current City Councillor, isn’t playing. She’s issued a full-on statement calling on the government to issue the funds so that her city can host. We are reprinting it in full below because we love the spirit and passion.

Following today’s announcement that the United Kingdom has been offered the chance to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, Wolverhampton City Councillor Claire Darke has called for Wolverhampton to be the host city.

She said: 

The City of Wolverhampton has a proud musical heritage with acts such as Led Zeppelin, Slade, Beverley Knight, and Liam Payne, among some of the world’s most prominent artists.  

I call on the Government and the BBC to provide financial support to enable Wolverhampton and the wider area to reap the benefits of this globally significant event. 

Wolverhampton has many potential public spaces for fan zones and to host the contest, including Molineux Stadium, Dunstall Park, and the newly-refurbished Civic Halls. The Molineux Stadium, home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, has recently hosted significant international football fixtures and concerts by Rod Stewart.  

I will be calling Wolverhampton’s finest musical talent to join together to support this cause with a one-off concert with all proceeds to support refugees in Ukraine. I will personally invite Liam Payne to join and encourage him to reunite with One Direction for a one-off show.  

Wolverhampton is a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive city open to all. Eurovision has helped unite diverse communities across the world. Wolverhampton is ready to play its part. 

Claire Darke 

City Councillor for Park Ward, City of Wolverhampton Council 

Mayor of Wolverhampton 2019-2021

What do you think? Which UK city should host Eurovision 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

116 Comments
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MTD
MTD
1 year ago

From all of the above, only Liverpool makes the Ukraine case seen, so I would vote for them to win it all (if UK happens, that is).

MTD
MTD
1 year ago

I am sorry, but why you are accenting the gay perspective or connections of each city? Is ESC gay-centric or is it an all-in party?

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  MTD

I am sorry, but this was mentioned under one city only. I have zero understanding of why it would bother you, other than you are obviously homophobic.

MTD
MTD
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Of course, whenever someone mentiones something that goes beyond your reasoning, you go with the homophobic remarks. Queen, you are not the center of the world.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  MTD

You don’t get it. There is no justifiable reason for you to complain or be frightened just because gay people get a quick mention. Happy Pride.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago

oh god some eurovision fans are so delusional alreading saying that Jamala should be a host LOL or Graham Norton with Rylan. Yes, we get it these are the only people you know but you know this is Eurovision and not a Eurovision preparty.
UK and BBC has a long list of potential presenters and most likely add Ukrainians in the show.

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago

I’m sold on Manchester; speed up the construction of the Co-op Live Arena (Baku built an entire arena from scratch in a matter of months) and we’re golden. The Piazza outside MediaCityUK on Salford Quays is perfect for the Eurovision Village, and you’ve got a plethora of clubs and bars for EuroClub options (you could just turn the entirety of Canal Street in the Eurovision Strip!)

Alex
Alex
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

Baku HAD to built a new arena from scratch because they did not have any indoor arenas. They were rich enough to afford (or waste money) the costs. A German company was in charge which means Germany was happy to see them winning.

Manchester has already an arena so there’s no need to built a new one

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago

Fun Fact: Ireland (RTE) won the contest so many times in the 90s, RTE strongly considered joint hosting with the BBC or ITV to cut costs and develop a symbolic peace gesture during unrest and war in Northern Ireland. Belfast 2023?

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Jamie

Why on earth do you keep going on about Ireland and RTE? They have absolutely nothing to do with hosting this… at all.

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago

Belfast 2023 would be the best city to host. Belfast is now a peaceful city. I really believe it would shine a light on what is possible. ??????????. Would love to see BBC and RTE joint produce the show.

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Jamie

Do you seriously think RTE have any interest in ‘joint producing’ a Eurovision show they didn’t even win?

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

The UK didn’t win so why not ? As I’ve said it would be a powerful message to send Europe. Peace is possible in the hardest of times. To host in Belfast would be incredible.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago
Reply to  Jamie

Northern Ireland will have a referendum about becoming part of a united Ireland after BoJo’s Brexit protocol

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Jamie

Why on earth do you keep going on about Ireland and RTE? They have absolutely nothing to do with hosting this… at all.

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago
Reply to  Henno

In Ireland and Northern Ireland, there are cross border initiatives to help promote and strengthen partnerships between both communities (Irish and British and Northern Irish). We work hard to keep peace in Ireland and Northern Ireland and it’s working… That’s why I mention BBC and RTE.. we work together to ensure long and lasting peace in both countries.

Devito
1 year ago

Here we go, British cringe jokes!

Kim
Kim
1 year ago

I think it’s down to 3 cities Cardiff with Alex Jones as one of the presenters. Belfast or the most likely one Manchester with AJ Odudo one of the presenters. Given the fact that he’s on everything on BBC, Rylan will pop up somewhere. I think that if Nicola Sturgeon hadn’t made a comment Scotland would have had a good chance but I can’t see BBC wanting to see that they’ve listened to her.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago
Reply to  Kim

Delusional. Ukrainian hosts.

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Alex

Shouty voices, broken American-English accents and cringey stagecraft… ugh, please no.

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Kim

AJ Odudo – Please God, no… she cackles and talks like she’s half drunk all the time. Comes across as a real dim-wit. I watched her the other week on the jubilee coverage…. ugh.

Pancake
Pancake
1 year ago

For me, I think it goes down to two cities: Manchester and Glasgow.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago
Reply to  Pancake

Glasgow is this year’s Turin. Only problem is their referendum in late 2023 to be independent Scotland.

James
James
1 year ago

Emmerdale 2023

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

But why everyone immediately ruled London out? They argue as if UK is more than just London, while the last ESC was not even held there. I’m getting a little bit bored of these “The country is more than just its capital” statements recent years. They can involve representation of other UK cities too even if it is London that will host. Every single year fans pick some random city and they hype it all time while the competition for host city lasts. London would be excellent host too.

Hector
Hector
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

Personally I love when a new city gets to host the contest! I don’t think nobody is saying London wouldn’t be a great host city, but, as it happened with Amsterdam, it’s already a very busy city and during that time maybe it already has a huge amount of tourists. Just my view tho

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

London would be amazing! I’m tired of second-tier cities hosting the contest, bring it back to HUGE European cities and making a giant spectacle out of it.

I know London would produce one of the greatest Eurovision shows ever.

Jo.
Jo.
1 year ago

manchester got this

Helen
Helen
1 year ago

Cardiff could host it at the Principality Stadium. They have a special curtain that can reduce capacity to as little as 12,000, and a roof to keep out the rain. Wales is the land of song after all, and it has never hosted the Eurovision Song Contest unlike England and Scotland.

Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
1 year ago

By the way, which presenter(s) would you like to see?

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Graham Norton. Alone or sharing:)
Maybe a singer with him. Pixie Lott? Duffy? Or Lulu to tie in with Glasgow. Or Katerina of Katerina and The Waves

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

I think Claudia Winkleman is the highest-paid BBC presenter, and she did the Eurovision Dance Contest with Graham. I think it’ll be her.

Harry
Harry
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

I’d like to see Graham Norton plus an ukrainian Presenter, like Jamala or Ruslana. Even if it is totally understandable that Ukraine cannot host the show, I still feel with ukrainian fans who still wanted it to happen. As a bit of a compromise, there could be an ukrainian host to honor the winners

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Harry

Absolutely not… No thanks.British show, paid for by British money, with British presenters. Lots of homage to Ukraine of course but this will not be a co-production…

TJCat
TJCat
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Is there still a need to speak other languages? Both Davina and Mel G are fluent in several languages (not saying they should be the hosts but must be in with a shot) Graham speaks French. But having said that it needs an injection of youth too

TJCat
TJCat
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

What is most important is a natural and relaxed approach, not overly scripted but not silly, good chemistry between the hosts and a little room to ad lib. Ulrika pulled that off very well back in 98

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Scott Mills alongside Natalia Mohylevska and Katya Osadcha.

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

Scott Mills looks like a very nervous waxwork on TV nowadays… Rylan would be superb.

Frisian esc
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

I think there is no way Graham Norton is not hosting. For the Ukrainian touch I could see them ask Timur mirosnychenko who already was one of the hosts in Kyiv 2017 and made headlines for commentating the show from a bomb shelter this year.

Irish EuroFan
Irish EuroFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

But if Graham hosts, who’ll do the commentary for the BBC?

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Timur’s English lets him down…Volodymyr Ostapchuk is a far better choice and has much more charisma.

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

I’d love to see some Ukrainian-British celebrities host. The only British celebrities of Ukrainian descent I know of are Alison King and Vera Filatova.

ESC Commentator
ESC Commentator
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Of course Graham is the most obvious choice. I would love to have 2 British and 2 Ukrainian hosts. It would be great to have a big Hollywood name with Ukrainian roots to host like Mila Kunis (she is personally very involved in bringing Ukrainian war into spotlight), Milla Jovovich or Olga Kurylenko. My personal choice would be Vera Farmiga, she’s an amazing actress. I think it is not totally impossible to have any of them because of the war they can maybe lower their financial conditions.

Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
1 year ago

[Rumor] The possible sites of Eurovision 2023 in UK GlasgowSemi-final allocation draw: Glasgow City Chambers Host venue: OVO HydroOpening ceremony: George Square Eurovision village: Kelvingrove ParkEuroClub: SEC Armadillo Manchester Semi-final allocation draw: Manchester Central Convention Complex Host venue: Manchester Arena (AO Arena) Opening ceremony: Manchester Piccadilly Station Eurovision village and EuroClub: Heaton Park Liverpool Semi-final allocation draw: St George’s HallHost Venue: Liverpool Arena (M&S Bank Arena) Opening ceremony: Pier Head Eurovision village: Sefton Park EuroClub: Exhibition Centre Liverpool London Semi-final allocation draw: ExCel London Host venue: The O2 Arena Opening ceremony: Trafalgar Square Eurovision village: Hyde Park EuroClub: indigo at… Read more »

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Ooh, someone else who enjoys proposing the sites for the other ESC events! For me? Glasgow Venue: OVO Hydro Semi-final draw: Kelvin Hall Opening ceremony: Glasgow Museum of Transport Eurovision Village: George Square EuroClub: SQG3 Studio Warehouse Manchester Venue: Co-op Live Arena (doubtful it’ll be completed by May 2023, though) Semi-final draw: Manchester Town Hall Opening ceremony: St Peter’s Square Eurovision Village: Brunswick Park EuroClub: Depot Mayfield Liverpool Venue: M&S Bank Arena Semi-final draw: Liverpool Town Hall Opening ceremony: Liverpool Cathedral Eurovision Village: Chavasse Park EuroClub: Soho Bar Liverpool Birmingham Venue: Resorts World Arena Semi-final draw: Birmingham City Council House… Read more »

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

*SWG3 Studio Warehouse, not SQG3.

TJCat
TJCat
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

for Birmingham it Would be better at The Utilita arena (old nia) rather than resorts world. Resorts world is at the NEC which is functional out of town place but a bit stark. Utilita is in a central location near the lovely canals cafe’s bars and hotels

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  TJCat

Good points. I just chose Resorts World Arena because Utilita Arena Birmingham already hosted in 1998, so I’d like to see another venue.

Lizzie
Lizzie
1 year ago
Reply to  Hyunwoo

Cardiff.
Allocation draw: City Hall.
Host venue/Press centre: Principality Stadium.
Turquoise carpet: Millennium Centre.
Eurovillage: Cardiff Castle, Bute Park or Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay.

Johannes
Johannes
1 year ago

I would love to have finally a bigger Eurovision again like in 2011 in Germany (where it was held in a Football Arena)

George Long
George Long
1 year ago

Some little inaccuracies in this post sorry. The movie Eurovision Song Contest the Story of Fire Saga was actually set in Edinburgh not Glasgow, even if Glasgow was used for the stadium. Glasgow is not Scotland’s second airport but its it’s busiest airport. You’ve opened up a whole can of worms regarding which is Britain!s second city too. If we are talking metropolitan area it’s Manchester, which is however way down the list when we’re talking actual city population, smaller than Leeds fir example. Birmingham is second by that criteria and has been considered Britain’s second city for many years.… Read more »

Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  George Long

Actually Edinburgh is the busiest airport in Scotland, unless you include both Glasgow airports.

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  George Long

Glasgow has not been scotlands busiest airport for many years now – Edinburgh has been the busiest for years! I work in aviation and Edinburgh overtook Glasgow in passenger numbers over 10 years ago.

George Long
George Long
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie

Thank you for clarifying – I used to work in travel when lived in UK and GLA was hands down busier than EDI and living here now had not been aware of the change.

Someone
Someone
1 year ago

LEEDS 2023!!
– City of Culture 2023
– UK Party City
– Good Capacity Arena
– Headquarters of Sky, ITV, Channel 4 and the BBC
-International Airport
– No time collisions
– 3rd Largest UK City

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  Someone

Leeds or Coventry are the only logical choices.

Someone
Someone
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Coventry would need a roof thought right? Although it would still be pretty cool.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  Someone

No coventry has a retractable roof already there.

Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

I’m gathering for you, Liam! 🙂

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago

All of the choices that have expressed interest here are not viable as hosts: London: hosted 4 times already, hasn’t really got a viable host venue, Wembley Arena (90,000 seat Capacity) far too big to host the contest, SSE Wembley (12,500 seat Capacity) too small to meet requirements and the o2 Greenwich with has the capacity to do it but has seen far better days and has an appalling travel network. Manchester: Will have conflicts due to the football and the most likely dates will coincide with the concert bombing anniversary. Liverpool: Simply doesn’t meet requirements Leeds: Could just scrape… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are just as much part of the United Kingdom as England. It’s not relevant that they’re devolved, or to insist that the contest can only be in England.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

I don’t disagree with that, but realistically they do not have a real shot at hosting it.

William Clelland
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Why?

Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Glasgow literally just hosted COP26

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Of course they do – you talk as if they’re third world countries. They have everything that’s needed, and more. Sorry if it seems I’m being harsh on you, but I just think you’re being a little unnecessarily dismissive. Coventry would be good too, I love it when less obvious places are chosen, but England have been the host seven out of eight times for the BBC – give someone else a turn.

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

So virtually every major urban area with more than suitable arenas and conference/exhibition facilities are, in your mind, not viable, yet Coventry is your pick?

Christ.

William Clelland
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

So many innacurases in the above post it would take to long to list them.Glasgow,Manchester or Liverpool is where it should be held.All three more than capable.

Sam
Sam
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

What do you mean the devolved administrations have poor transport links and poor accommodation? Let’s take Glasgow for example. Glasgow has the second biggest suburb rail infrastructure jn the UK behind Edinburgh. Two international airports are less than an hour and a half from it. And pretty solid links to Manchester Airport and London for London airports too by rail and plane. As for road the M8 runs right next to the SEC giving transport links to the west coast of Scotland, the North of Scotland via the M80, Edinburgh, Motherwell and Hamilton and down to England. What more transport… Read more »

Frisian esc
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Glasgow has 4000 more hotel rooms than rotterdam. There is an airport in Edinburgh and the british road system is more than adequate.

dade
dade
1 year ago

The UK would be a great host for sure, but all this “the Queen might die”-thing should be taken into consideration too. I like the Queen and I hope she stays with us some more years, but still, just in case it happens (and it’s realistic!) the whole country would come to a halt. It’s not just the BBC covering the whole thing, all other broadcasters would do the same, just look up “operation London Bridge”

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  dade

When your queen dies, she will be replaced by a man in his late seventies, which means that you will have to wait until William takes the throne before you can start making plans again?

Frisian esc
1 year ago
Reply to  dade

I mean worst that can happen is that the bbc won’t t broadcast the show live in the uk but cancelling the whole thing? They literally can’t do that.

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  dade

Ah yes, we must consider the death of a 90-odd year old multi-millionaire who’s just cost the UK an obscene amount of public money for no good reason.

Sorry, we know we’ve invested months of planning, allocation of infrastructure and funds into this event, but an old lady’s kicked the bucket so our entire nation has to put everything on hold for weeks on end while it collectively mourns a woman who had no bearing on any of our lives whatsoever.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago

Coventry will host Eurovision 2023. The others are simply too big or are completely not viable for the hosting.

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Bruh, how?? Elaborate please. Where the hell in Coventry are they going to host Eurovision, you absolute melon. Lol.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

CBS Arena in Coventry has a capacity of 40,000 for concerts.

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

I might as well propose my home town of Northampton. Bung the live shows at the Saints Rugby ground, to hell with it. Eurovision Village on the market square, why not??

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

Now that’s a stretch. I know you’re being sarcastic but look at the CBS Arena in Coventry and the local area and you’ll see that it does meet all the requirements to host ESC 2023

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Okay, Coventry has a stadium. This place them above any of the major cities in terms of viability how, exactly?

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

Many of these cities that have submitted interest have barriers to being the eventual host city. For example: London has no venue in London of a suitable size that can do the contest and even if the o2 Greenwich did free up the space to do it, it would cost them millions to do so. Additionally London has hosted 4 times more than any other city has done, there is no need for the capital to host it. Manchester: for two reasons why it will be a bit difficult to host there. 1. The city hosts many football games annually,… Read more »

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

What about an airport? Is there one? Does it have sufficient connections across Europe?

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  UpinSpaceFan

Birmingham International is a stones throw away from the city and the arena, no more that 15-20 min drive or 10 mins by train.

William Clelland
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Sorry for being so negative mate vut Coventry no chance..!!

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Coventry is a complete and utter sh*thole, even the people who live there think this. Stop trolling, Liam Lindsay.

Azuro
Azuro
1 year ago

UK wants to show it is taking the contest seriously now so will likely be London or Manchester. Personally I prefer London, but Manchester is where BBC is based now, and they announced the points this year from Manchester, so it will probably Manchester.

Don’t think Glasgow would work as EBU has already said they want this to be a Ukrainian contest, that just happens to be in UK, whereas Glasgow would want to inject Scottish culture/identity into it.

Denis
Denis
1 year ago

ESC has never been held in Wales so now is the time. For many still a unknown part of UK and would probably interest people to visit it

Pauly
Pauly
1 year ago

wow even politicians are campaigning for Eurovision 2023. WHO would have thought about it years ago! UK loves Eurovision, it just needed Sam Ryder and Tap Music! I would love to see London hosting it but obviously they will consider Manchester and Glasgow for different reasons. Having Glasgow hosting it would be funny after the Eurovision movie but also Scotland is aiming to have a referendum for independent in late 2023 so it would be awkward waving the union flag when 60% of Scots support independence. Imagine if they become independent and participate in Eurovision 2024 and win LOL. Other… Read more »

William Clelland
1 year ago
Reply to  Pauly

Sorry but nowhere near 60% of Scots support independence more like 48%

Mark
1 year ago

Nobody. Literally no one knows that mate. Latest polls indicate its very close, but bandying about figures with absolutely no context doesn’t help anyone.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago

Currently the majority favours an independent Scotland…unless you read a pro=union website.

Luke A
Luke A
1 year ago

I would love it too be Leeds as that’s my home city and I’d be able to see the contest for the first time without even needing a hotel, Manchester and Newcastle would be good options too also Liverpool, Glasgow and Sheffield so many great options in my home county

Someone
Someone
1 year ago
Reply to  Luke A

Same!! I think Leeds is actually the best option especially since Manchester has things scheduled during the dates …

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago

Wow so much interest! The Uk is on fire, it’s so nice to see! Congrats guys, now I don’t know which option would be the best, which option would be the most symbolic and iconic for next year and for Ukraine, I think the english eurofans will know that better and will have their preference but Liverpool saying that they will transform and will become a little Ukraine during Eurovision if they host makes me rooting for them I think so far.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Wasn’t Edinburgh the fictional host city in the Netflix movie?

Daniel Fletcher
Daniel Fletcher
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Yes it was but with the Hydro as the venue which is in Glasgow, Scotland.

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Yes, but currently lacks an indoor arena. At least they had Young Musicians four years ago

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

This article is wrong then, thank you.

Pauly
Pauly
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Edinburgh was but they used the Hydro arena in Glasgow

Liam
Liam
1 year ago

Im happy with anywhere but London

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam

I agree. Kyiv 2023.

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago

Not happening, soz.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

I don’t think Ukraine being unable to host is good news OR bad news, but I am glad that all of these cities make mention of Ukraine and honoring them through their hosting. Me personally, after having been to Eurovision in two of my favorite countries already, getting to go to Eurovision in a country I’ve already been to five times and have pretty much nothing but fond memories of would be a dream come true. I’d be especially happy if it was in Glasgow since I’ve only ever been within England, but I also feel a very special connection… Read more »

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
1 year ago

Did Ukraine relinquish their rights to host? These UK cities needs to calm down…

Pauly
Pauly
1 year ago

Yes, they did. EBU confirmed it with them before making an announcement.

Denis
Denis
1 year ago

What part of Ukraine not hosting are you not getting?

lol
lol
1 year ago

read somewhere that the EU will get Brussels to bid to host next year, anyone know if this is true??

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  lol

I highly doubt it, that’s not how this works. Member states of the EU can be members of the EBU sure, but the EU as a whole cannot bid to host Eurovision.

Ted
Ted
1 year ago

Historical links between Wales and Ukraine. Worth looking at. The millennium stadium (renamed principality stadium but no one in wales calls it that lol) would be awesome.
But we all know that it will end up being hosted in Glasgow.

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago
Reply to  Ted

Picturing this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6AwAaiwTGY
(my mum was there)

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

Will you be watching the WWE Clas at the Castle with a keen interest? Want the top EB u people to attend?

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago

This is so intriguing! Exactly what I was wondering! The UK has a ton of suitable arenas and many cities you might not think of are capable of doing it. Why not Liverpool or Leeds? Cardiff I’d love but doesn’t have a suitable arena at the moment (but plans are afoot for a new one in Cardiff Bay in a few years time). Think Nottingham and Sheffield are capable too. Glasgow and Leeds both have unusual shaped buildings and I’d be really curious to see how different it would look. Any potential arena needs space for dressing rooms, production and… Read more »

sangfroidx
sangfroidx
1 year ago

RAI added a lot of new flavor to the show this year, and the BBC would add even more. I’m excited to see a UK/Ukraine partnership in 2023, and I’m rooting for Scotland or Wales!

(Btw: UK + RAI + “ne” (“No” in Ukrainian) = No hosting for Ukraine in 2023. CONSPIRACY!! Haha.)

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  sangfroidx

Pray tell, what ‘new flavor’ did RAI add to 2022, apart from presenters fluffing their lines, bad camerawork and directiona and a stage which was almost unusable?

Rifki
Rifki
1 year ago

breaking news: Ukraine “will demand changing of the decision” and “demand additional negotiations”, Oleksandr Tkachenko (Minister of Culture and Information) responded to the EBU statement, quoted by suspilne_news Twitter account.
looks like it should be re-negotiated.

Pauly
Pauly
1 year ago
Reply to  Rifki

there is nothing to negotiate about security. Apparently, this is what the huge issue was and Ukraine could not guarantee.

Samira
Samira
1 year ago

Ngl a contest in Wales would be sick, and Welsh accents are so fun to listen to