From seven potential host cities to just two. Either Glasgow or Liverpool will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

The BBC says that it will make its final decision “within weeks.” The two remaining candidates are said to have had “the strongest overall offer.”

Liverpool or Glasgow will host Eurovision 2023 in the UK

Liverpool

It gave the world The Beatles and now Liverpool is ready to welcome the world for Eurovision 2023.

Its M&S Bank Arena has a capacity of 11,000 and sits on the gorgeous River Mersey — providing a bit of calm for stressed out artists and their delegations. The venue is close to the city’s healthy stock of hotels and a large conference centre, which means all the amenities — from transport to restaurants — are within walking distance. 

The most iconic quartet in British history — John, Paul, George and Ringo — hails from Liverpool, something the city nodded to in its beautiful Eurovision bid video below. The group formed in city in the 1960s, playing gigs at the famous Cavern Club on Mathew Street and various small venues across what was then part of Lancashire. The Liverpool lads went on to score 17 number one singles and 15 number one albums in the UK, plus 20 number one Billboard Hot 100 singles in the USA. 

Of course, the music scene is very varied. As the only UNESCO City of Music in England, Liverpool has been commended for its contributions to the musical arts. The city’s annual Africa Oyé festival is the largest celebration of African music in the country, attracting over 50,000 people to Liverpool’s Sefton Park every June. Elsewhere, the city has helped nourish countless other British music greats, including Cilla Black, Atomic Kitten, The Wombats, Elvis Costello, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Coral, and Melanie C of The Spice Girls. 

Glasgow 

The Vikings left ornate, richly-carved gravestones. Later the celebrated architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh dreamed up stunning Art Nouveau offices, schools and museums. Now, amid all that eye-catching history, Glasgow has cut a very modern path with buzzing bars, hip restaurants and much-ballyhooed art galleries and museums. Throw in the energy and vigour offered by the University of Glasgow and its 30,000-person strong student body and you start the understand why Glasgow was recently named the world’s friendliest city by Time Out magazine. Locals clearly have a lot of reasons to be happy.

The enthusiasm is certainly there. Over the summer, when the EBU said it would consult with the BBC about potentially hosting Eurovision 2023, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among the first leaders in the UK to back a city, throwing her weight behind Glasgow.

The OVO Hydro Arena looks like a giant spacecraft that’s landed on the River Clyde. The high-impact design comes from Foster and Partners, the renowned London architecture firm behind the Millennium Bridge in London, the redevelopment of the Reichstag building in Berlin and the British Museum’s Great Court (with its tessellated glass roof). The Hydro web site explains that the design marries form and function in a beautiful way. “The distinctive elliptical sloping shape of the OVO Hydro was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman amphitheatres,” it says. “This shape offers the optimum balance of viewing angle and distance from the stage.” 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

The venue has a maximum capacity of 14,300 and hosts more than 140 events every year. Attracting more than a million people annually, it regularly makes the list for the Top 10 busiest arenas globally alongside the likes of The O2 in London and Madison Square Garden in New York. Between now and December it will host concerts by A-list artists including: Andrea Bocelli, George Ezra, Swedish House Mafia, Machine Gun Kelly, Billy Idol, Robbie Williams, Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand, Westlife, Florence + The Machine and The Cure. Whew!

The European Broadcasting Union requires that potential host cities have at least 2,000 available hotel rooms to ensure that singers, their delegations and the production teams have a place to rest their heads. Glasgow clears that hurdle easily, with more than 15,000 rooms available across the Greater Glasgow area. The booming hotel scene has options no matter how deep your pockets — and features some shiny new options. Among the latest entries are the new Virgin Hotel and the shiny, LGBT-friendly Revolver Hotel, which sits above the Polo Lounge nightclub. It has 29 swish rooms that range from £25 to £300 per night.

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CasperDiCaprio
CasperDiCaprio
1 year ago

Looking at both promotional videos Liverpools is by far the most creative, plus John Lennon and the Beatles references make it a very powerful proposal…
I agree Glasgow’s OVO stadium is more impressive but Liverpool for me has the most interesting and creative offer

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago

I am sure nobody will say those arena are small, as happened with the Palasport Olimpico in Turin. Palasport Olimpico actually has a capacity of 16000, even though it was reduced due to the large stage, the parterre occupied by the green room, and a large part of the opposite side to the stage taken by the technical production area and the commentator’s booths. Same double standard used when Italy is on the spotlight by many toxic fans. Here we have Glasgow with 14300 and Liverpool with 11000.

KMO92
KMO92
1 year ago

City wise, Liverpool would probably be a better option in my mind because of the history there. But I just can’t get over how cool the OVO Hydro arena is. I think it would be an epic show if the the contest was held there! The Liverpool arena looks a lot smaller and ‘nothing special’ in comparison :/
Only nitpicking. I’m sure it will be a fantastic show regardless!

Akira
Akira
1 year ago

[Rumor] The possible presenter(s) of Eurovision 2023

Semi-final allocation draw presenter(s), Maya Jama & Rylan Clark Neal
Opening ceremony presenter(s), Alan Carr, Alison Hammond & Dermot O’Leary
Semi-final, and grand final presenter(s), Graham Norton, Davina McCall
Greenroom presenter, Mel Giedroyc

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Akira

These aren’t rumours, they are your wild speculations and conjecture. Your input is welcome but these are not rumours…

Philip
Philip
1 year ago

Both cities have attached Exhibition/conference facilities. Both cities were on BBC Breakfast being interviewed the morning the announcement of the shortlist on Zoe Balls Breakfast show. The BBC already knew who they wanted to host – they just basically had to go through a process. Both Liverpool and Glasgow have strengths and weaknesses – Liverpool has a more traditional shaped arena which makes it easier to assemble a stage for a TV production compared to the Hydros shape which may result in more seats being lost etc. Liverpool is the smallest of all shortlisted cities arenas but the traditional shape… Read more »

Ed the walrus
Ed the walrus
1 year ago
Reply to  Philip

Liverpool is also easily accessible from Manchester airport which is the biggest outside of London, so I think if anything transport is a plus for Liverpool, but they’re both easy to get to

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago

So Liverpool it is. I don’t believe they’ll place it in Scotland. Would be neat though

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago

Sam Ryder’s endorsement makes me think the decision has already been made, it’s Glasgow. Why would he risk a bad reception in Liverpool next year?

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Fatima

What is the purpose of narrowing it down to two? Do they reassess the bids and vote again? They already have everything they need to make the decision. I don’t really understand, other than just to add to the hype machine.

Lydia Underwood
Lydia Underwood
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

My guess is that they want to gauge the public’s reaction before they make a final decision

Pancake
Pancake
1 year ago

I’m sad that Manchester is out so now my support goes to Liverpool.
Thinking about it now, I think Liverpool should host Eurovision. Being home to many of UK’s greatest artist and up-and-coming newcomers, and has an extensive history with music, earning it’s well deserved UNESCO title, Liverpool hosting the largest song contest would not only benefit the city but also solidify it’s musical rap-sheet. Liverpool deserves more recognition it deserves.

Hikaru
Hikaru
1 year ago

[Rumor] The possible sites of Eurovision 2023 in UK

Glasgow
Venue: OVO Hydro
Semi-final draw: Kelvin Hall
Opening ceremony: Glasgow Green
Eurovision Village: George Square
EuroClub: SWG3 Studio Warehouse

Liverpool
Venue: M&S Bank Arena
Semi-final draw: Liverpool Town Hall
Opening ceremony: Liverpool Cathedral
Eurovision village: Chavasse Park
EuroClub: Soho Bar Liverpool

Nicky
Nicky
1 year ago

Glasgow please

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago

there is a twinning between Odessa and Liverpool so logically it is Liverpool. Also, the video presentation of the city of the Beatles is excellent. I think it’s Liverpool who win, it will be a good choice anyway even if Glasgow is my number 1!

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago

Calling Atomic Kitten or Melanie C “music greats” is extremely generous…

ivanmckenziemx
ivanmckenziemx
1 year ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

How you dare

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

Because they were part of very sucesfull groups? Because they have sold records and records?

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

Well so has Dread Sheeran and Nobby Williams

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

Franz Ferdinand, Lulu, Wet Wet Wet, Texas, Primal Scream, Bis, Mogwai, Simple Minds, Altered Images, Deacon Blue, Teenage Fanclub, Gun, Belle & Sebastian, Orange Juice, Edwyn Collins, HYYTS, CHVRCHES, Travis, Aztec Camera, Average White Band, Marmalade….and many more!

Maybush
1 year ago
Reply to  Euroboitoy

Quite a few of my favourite bands in that list, plus Del Amitri.

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Maybush

Aye, Del Amitri still going strong

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

Arena in Liverpool much better fits the televised show like Eurovision than Glasgow’s arena

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

I dunno, the Hydro had an amazing MTV EMAs in 2014.

Henno
Henno
1 year ago

Liverpoooooooooooool. Goooarn kid!! Although, Glasgow or Liverpool – two very good choices.

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago

Absolutely delighted to hear that my home city of Glasgow is still in the running – not lived there for years but I’m lucky enough to have family and friends nearby so no accommodation worries for me! Liverpool would be a fine choice too and I’m excited to see which city will host. Naturally, I’d choose Glasgow, simply due to being a proud Glaswegian but I’ll be delighted for our Scouse friends too if Liverpool gets it. As for those who think Scotland shouldn’t host as they don’t want to be part of the UK – what a lot of… Read more »

Frisian esc
1 year ago

If you guys are thinking about going: Book straight away on booking.com with the option for a free cancel policy selected!

I was lucky to book for the 2 most likely weekends of liverpool yesterday, and just now I booked a reasonable offer for Glasgow never paying above €300 for 2 persons, but if you wait with booking until tomorrow or later, you’ll probably only find rooms asking above €200 a night. Free cancel policy is your lifesaver 🙂

Frisian esc
1 year ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

My prediction is that eurovision will be held in the week of 17th till 20th or 23th till 27th this year to compensate the late production start up a little bit.

Skdkf
Skdkf
1 year ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

My prediction is the 16th, 18th and 20th

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Skdkf

The Champion’s League semi-finals are on that week, I think they normally try to avoid those.

vetrina
vetrina
1 year ago

Glasgow : better venue VS Liverpool : more vibrant city and music history. Team Liverpool!

Paul Niklas
Paul Niklas
1 year ago
Reply to  vetrina

Are you serious more music history

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Paul Niklas

Yeah you know…The Beatles and Cilla! But obviously more.

Not like Glasgow doesn’t have their fair share too – Primal Scream, Travis, Wet Wet Wet, Texas, Average White Band, Marmalade, Simple Minds etc

TJCat
TJCat
1 year ago

I’m really pleasantly surprised. Great final two. Really happy Liverpool is getting a look in as it’s often in the shadows of Manchester down the road. I also love the idea of Glasgow. Completely understand why it isn’t Birmingham having had the contest back in 98, plus it was the wrong choice to offer up Resorts world arena rather than Utilita (nia) Manchester, as much as I love the city the arena is just ugly and dated. I don’t really know the other cities well or their arenas to have an opinion. Good luck to the final two I have… Read more »

Darren
1 year ago

If Glasgow is chosen, I really hope BBC get Niteworks as an interval act.

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Darren

……with the drones!!! Could even be like an opening act!

Darren
1 year ago
Reply to  Euroboitoy

Yes! I can see it now

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Liverpool. John Bishop as presenter?

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

That’s a vote in favour of Glasgow

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jofty

Not a popular idea, then.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Sadly yes Jonas. For someone annoying and unfunny he gets far too much airtime.

Darren
1 year ago

Kind of disappointed that it’s not Manchester BUT, having travelled extensively throughout the UK, I will say now that Liverpool would be a great host city too, excellent music and social scene. Visually iconic city, and just a 30 minute flight straight across from Dublin. Glasgow would be a great host city too, but I fear it could be too political as an attempt by BBC to make Scotland feel included m, especially seeing as they want to leave the United Kingdom. Though it will probably be Glasgow for that reason, and the fact that Glasgow was the host city… Read more »

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  Darren

Clear up on one of the facts Darren, Edinburgh was the host city in the movie and the OVO Hydro in Glasgow had the externals of the arena featured in the film.

Ed the walrus
Ed the walrus
1 year ago

These were my two personal favourites after my home city of Manchester – both have a good setup for the contest with the arena and other facilities nearby, not far from their city centres. Personally I’d probably put Liverpool ahead, but I think Glasgow is the more obvious choice overall.

Devito
1 year ago

I have been to Glasgow once and I just could not connect with the city. Maybe it was the late autumn effect but I was getting this feeling of never-ending boredom museum. Liverpool, on the other hand, I have not visited personally just yet, so it might be a nice occasion. Additionally, I did hear there is a Baltic Triangle in Liverpool, so I want to see what is it – does it have anything to do with the Baltics, Baltic Sea, etc. In short, #teamLiverpool.

Luke B
Luke B
1 year ago

Wow, did not expect this annoucnement today. The BBC are really steaming along. Not surprise about Glasgow being in, or Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield being out. Birmingham’s downfall may be 1) they did it last time, 2) they’ve just done the Commonwealth Games, and 3) low ceiling height in arena. As for Manchester, maybe because of the lack of space for a press centre. Liverpool is defintely a dark horse – the momentum has really picked up recently. And coincidentally, both venues are right next to a river.

Polegend Godnova
1 year ago

i stand by my preference for liverpool, it’s just more iconic

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago

OT but the first odds (based on nothing) for esc 2023 have already arrived! We are still in September and normally we have these in December or in January…the bookies are motivated.

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

The regular odds for each participating countries.

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

The odds to win esc 2023

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Not really as it’s based on nothing, but really nothing except on the last year results maybe and how each country performs usually in the contest….so based on nothing related to the 2023 edition.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

What’s the betting Malta are favourites?

Devito
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

But it has listed 39 countries while only 33 countries officially confirmed their intention to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 yet. 🙂

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Devito

That’s true! The other esc seasons I think the bookmakers wait for the participating countries official list but not this time.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

They just want to suck as much money as they can out of addicts, that’s all.

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Certainly, as the contest will be in the UK, the bookies homesoil, they want to capitalize as much as they can on that.

sam
sam
1 year ago

LIVERPOOL! been rooting for them since day 1, but either choice i’ll be satisfied and i will be going next year

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago

I’m pretty happy and hope that Liverpool will be chosen at the end.

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

The Ovo Hydro is beautiful but Liverpool would be more iconic for several reasons. Again don’t trust too much the odds because before today according to them Liverpool had really small chances compared to Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow and now Glasgow and Liverpool have almost the same chances!… Make your own conclusions 😉

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

The conclusion is, everyone in England who’s fave city has been dropped has now put their support, mainly, to Liverpool.

Jonny
Jonny
1 year ago

It’s insane how expensive hostels in Glasgow for May next year are. In Liverpool the costs are way lower right now. Do some people know more than we do?

wwwww
wwwww
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonny

If you look at other sites (just look at the comments under the eurovision instagram) most fans are acting like it’s a certainty Glasgow is hosting. Most Eurofans are quite hiveminded and refuse to believe that there was ever a chance of Glasgow not hosting it

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
1 year ago

I would like Liverpool. Lovely city, really welcoming citizens, great musical history. Liverpool!

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago

Wow!
These are my two favourite choices but I’m still surprised by this news!
Do we have information as to why the other bids have lost? Or is that no the kind of thing they make public? I’m just intrigued.

If the UK won again in a few years, would these cities/arenas be free to bid again? I was thinking Manchester’s Arena should wait until after it’s renovations are complete to host, needing a UK win of course. Does it’s location hold it back? A lack of space for press and back of house?

Ed the walrus
Ed the walrus
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

There is another really big arena being built in Manchester so hopefully we’d be in with a shot if we get another chance in the coming years

Boozyfloozy69
Boozyfloozy69
1 year ago

Shocked Manchester have been culled like that. Liverpool as great as it would be, their arena just is not big enough.

Rifki
Rifki
1 year ago

Glasgow and Liverpool seem to have a similar strength: nearby exhibition centres surrounding the main venues. that’s what the weakness of Manchester’s bid is.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago

Both were not in my Top 3 choices. You’ve now got the city with the smallest arena (Liverpool) going up against the one that will be a nightmare to stage because of the way the arena is designed (Glasgow), not to mention the political side of things being a huge wrench in the works, why host a contest under the UK moniker in a part of the country which wants to break-away from the parent nation to me that just doesn’t seem right given what’s going on in Ukraine. To have a near-perfect host city in Manchester being culled makes… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

The second Scottish referendum has not even happened yet, so we don’t actually know if they want to leave. Until then, they are still tax-paying citizens of the UK and should be treated as such.

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Hey Liam, stop being racist against us Scots! We have every right to stage a bid!

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  Euroboitoy

Ummm, how am I being racist??? I just do not think it’s appropriate to host it in Scotland given the indyref2 vote.
Furthermore, I have Scottish ancestry, so how could I be racist toward the Scots in that capacity? Explain.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Maybe “dreggs” was a bit harsh, you have to admit…

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

The fact you are saying Glasgow has NO RIGHT to host simplifies your racist needs. Stop trying to say you have Scottish ancestry, If you did, then you would back a bid in our beautiful Scottish land! And keep your dregs to yourself. Manchester just didn’t make the cut ok. They still have the votes to give out.

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

This is Liam. Liam claimed back in June that the UK wouldn’t end up hosting, then the next month railed against the EBU’s decision when it was announced the UK would in fact be hosting. In August, Liam trashed every city that expressed a desire to stage Eurovision and claimed Coventry of all places was the only viable option, despite Coventry never even voicing their interest. Earlier this month, Liam said that Manchester would end up winning the bidding process, and now Liam is saying neither of the final two contenders are right. You know what’s not right, and never… Read more »

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

“why host a contest under the UK moniker in a part of the country which wants to break-away from the parent nation to me that just doesn’t seem right given what’s going on in Ukraine. To have a near-perfect host city in Manchester being culled makes no sense, you got a city that has no business in hosting (Glasgow). I would love to hear how the BBC/EBU have shortlisted these dreggs as clearly they have no idea, how to do this properly.” This chauvinistic rhetoric just underlines why people may think it preferable to leave the UK. England is not… Read more »

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Jimmy

Amen!

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

Liverpool!!!

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago

Come on in to Glasgow, you will be most welcome in our wee city of delights!

Regardless of where it end up, the UK are extremely thankful that the EBU and Ukraine have trusted us with these duties.

mark dowd
mark dowd
1 year ago

Liverpool had

mark dowd
mark dowd
1 year ago
Reply to  mark dowd

the smallest venue ,I think , of all seven shortlisted cities…

Rifki
Rifki
1 year ago

now I see the common strength between Glasgow and Liverpool, which may become their main ammunition: nearby exhibition centres surrounding the main venues, useful as spaces for surrounding facilities. Manchester is most probably out because of lacking those nearby spaces surrounding their main venue (I haven’t seen any official reason as to why Manchester is out of the race). Birmingham? I have seen a post that it is due to the low ceiling height in the main venue.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Either city will be good. I don’t really like how they’re dragging the announcement out for as long as possible, making it another contest between cities. Just for more publicity, I’m guessing.

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Will still be announced quicker than Turin was.

Antonio G
Antonio G
1 year ago
Reply to  Euroboitoy

In that case It has to be next week, cause Turin was announced on 8th of October.

Luke B
Luke B
1 year ago
Reply to  Antonio G

We are currently about 60-odd days since BBC took up hosting duties, whereas from Italy’s win until Turin was announced took over 100 (although this apparently was something to do with not interfering with local elections). My guess is that we’ll get the winning city the week after next.

Euroboitoy
Euroboitoy
1 year ago
Reply to  Antonio G

ok, let me rephrase, will still be announced quicker than Turin was from when the UK/Italy were confirmed as the host nation.

TB98
TB98
1 year ago

Netta tanking once again in her predictions.

noqueen
noqueen
1 year ago
Reply to  TB98

Queen!