Northern Ireland gave Eurovision 2022 viewers the gift of Brooke Scullion — the “That’s Rich” singer who won Ireland’s national final.
And now, if Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) member Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston has her way, then Northern Ireland will welcome the world to Eurovision 2023 in Belfast.
At the end of July, her political party uploaded a statement to its web site in which she outlined the reasons why Northern Ireland’s capital deserves the opportunity.
“In 2021 Belfast was named Best Events Destination at the annual Conference & Incentive Travel Magazine awards. In November of the same year it was also awarded the prestigious City of Music status by UNESCO.”
“With over 3000 hotel rooms, two city linked airports and a venue with capacity, Belfast, not forgetting our vast experience having hosted major events such the Giro d’Italia, World Police and Fire games and the MTV Music Awards, should be the U.K’s leading contender for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.”
“Northern Ireland has been the focus of European and U.K relations of late, it seems only fitting that we be afforded this incredible opportunity to showcase our Capital City and demonstrate our growing ability.”
“I have spoken with my Party Leader, Doug Beattie MLA, who has penned a letter to both the Northern Ireland office and the UK Culture Secretary expressing our enthusiasm for Belfast and requesting their support.”
Belfast certainly has the venue. The SSE Arena — formerly known as the Odyssey Arena — has a capacity of more than 11,000 for concerts and has hosted thousands of live events. From September it will welcome acts including George Ezra, The Vamps, Westlife, Rod Stewart and Elton John.
Northern Ireland has produced its share of Eurovision stars. Dana Rosemary Scallon, winner of Eurovision 1970 with “All Kinds of Everything”, was born in Derry. In 2020, she closed the first-ever Wiwi Jam at Home Concert with a beautiful Zoom choir.
Would you like to see Belfast host Eurovision 2023? Let us know in the comments box down below!
Omg this is my city!! If someone said last year my city could potentially be hosting my favourite contest ever I’d be checking their meds. A dream come true if it happens.
It’s been 52 years (and only twice ever) that they’ve had the UK represented by a Northern Irish act, by the way. Ireland itself, of course, has had 8, but I’m sure that the posturing to host the contest for the UK led by the UUP is about culture.
Clodagh Rogers with Puppet On A String # 2 and?
Jack in a box
From what I understand, when it was thought that RTE were struggling with back to back wins, the BBC offered to make 1995 a joint production, and host it in Belfast, presumably at the Kings Hall. I wonder A) What would it look like? and B) how smoothly would it have gone? Today this arena does meet the minimum requirements, that clip reminds me of the 2015 contest. That kind of staging would be possible I’m sure, though the crowd may look a bit smaller than usual. Anyway besides that, I’m not sure how welcome it would be in this… Read more »
Let’s reflect on the fact the Unionist (British) party member wants this. The other 50% of people in Northern Ireland probably don’t.
Hosting Eurovision in Belfast under a Union Jack won’t sit well with half of Northern Ireland and also the entire Irish population, especially since Ireland is set to be united in the coming years. The BBC are wise enough to know hosting in Belfast isn’t a good idea.
I mean Sinn Fein and SDLP councillors endorsed Derry bidding so I think it has support across NI
I think it would also have support in the republic aswell because it would increase tourism throughout the island
This!
THE B.B.C. will do FANTASTIC job in PROMOTING THIS CITY ; MARVEL AT HOW GIRO D’ITALIA EMBRACED EVERY PART OF N.I. EUROVISION WILL ATTRACT 1000’S OF EUROPEAN VISITORS TO OUR GREAT TOWN ; WE CAN MEET THE CHALLENGE MAY 2023.
I don’t know … is it even necessary to call this a bad idea? It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?
THE INCREASE IN OCCUPANCY RATES FOR 3000 HOTEL ROOMS IS
TO BE ADMIRED. ANTICIPATE THE BEST ……AND IT WILL HAPPEN .
TERRIFIC MARKETING OPPORTUNITY FOR BELFAST ….. THE ODYSSEY .