It was used as the venue for the fictional Eurovision Song Contest depicted in the Netflix hit Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. And now Eurofans and the Scottish media are wondering aloud if the Glasgow OVO Hydro could soon end up as the actual host venue for Eurovision 2023.
As you’re well-aware by now, Ukraine won Eurovision 2022 and has already announced its hope to host the contest next year. But given the uncertainty and destruction caused by Russia’s war, people are understandably exploring the idea that Ukraine won’t be able to host.
In previous years when the winning country has been unable to host, the second place nation has been offered the job. The first instance of this occurred in 1960, when 1959 runners-up United Kingdom stepped up to host the contest after winners The Netherlands declined due to the expense.
Eurovision fans have noticed that the OVO Hydro has events listed for next spring and summer — with the glaring omission of May, when Eurovision normally takes place. We see that it will host the Magic Mike arena tour on 25 April and Ozzy Osbourne: No More Tours 2 on 4 June.
Eurovision typically requires that the venue be free for six weeks. With a few event cancellations, could organisers make the song contest happen in this window?
Could Glasgow host Eurovision 2023 inside OVO Hydro?
At least one member of the Scottish Parliament from Glasgow is already keen on the idea. As the Scottish Daily Express reports, Kaukab Stewart said: “Fantastic venue in Glasgow Kelvin Constituency to host Eurovision 2023, bring it on!”
It certainly has the infrastructure. In the coming months it will play host to artists including Andrea Bocelli, George Ezra, Swedish House Mafia, Machine Gun Kelly, Billy Idol, Westlife, Florence + The Machine, Justin Bieber and Eurovision winner Celine Dion.
Given the top-notch artists it attracts, it’s no surprise that as recently as 2019, the venue was the second busiest in the world behind only Madison Square Garden in New York City. With more than one million visitors every year, it regularly features in the Top 10 list of busiest arenas globally, out-performing the likes of Manchester Arena in England and the Sydney Super Dome in Australia.
The UK has hosted Eurovision more times than any other nation, with eight hostings across London, Edinburgh, Harrogate, Brighton and Birmingham. It has not, however, commented on the potential of hosting in 2023 — unlike several other broadcasters across Europe.
On BBC’s Sunday Morning, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng was intrigued by the possibility of a British city hosting the contest — but expressed confidence in the Ukrainian people to make Eurovision happen in their country next year.
"It would be an honour to host [Eurovision] but President Zelensky is fully confident that Ukraine will be able to host the contest next year"
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) May 15, 2022
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng discusses the prospect of the UK hosting Eurovision in 2023#SundayMorning https://t.co/dlFQBN8WKy pic.twitter.com/uBrtNrd8U6
Kwarteng said: “Of course it would be an honour for us to host [Eurovision] but I’m very clear that President Zelensky is fully confident that Ukraine will be able to host the contest next year, and I look forward to watching it there.”
Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of Ukraine’s UA:PBC, said that direct consultations the European Broadcasting Union started on Friday.
“We are doing our best, and I hope that the state will also support us in holding the Eurovision Song Contest here,” he said last week. “I hope that the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in peaceful Ukraine. However, I am saying once again that the security factor is important and the final decision will be taken together with the European Broadcasting Union. It will be a difficult negotiation, I am already sure of that.”
My dream and delusion is to be hosted in Paris at the 20k capacity “La Defense Arena”
Lol it’s actually 40k!!!
We all know why and how Ukraine won . They shouldn’t host and they need to go for a few years along with Russia
Someone’s salty…
Why should Ukraine withdraw? For being the victim? You really sound like a pathetic russian troll right now.
I don’t care who hosts the next Eurovision, just as long Barbara Schöneberger is the host.
The weather is really good right now and in May is normally good.
I REALLY don’t see Ukraine hosting this…or at least well. Even if the war is over, they NEED to use the money given to them wisely. Yes, Eurovision is good and unites people, but it’s gonna potentially waste a lot of money or attention that could be put on aiding its own people. Many people have had their houses blown up by bombs or destroyed due to the fighting. The country needs a few years to mentally prepare itself for doing big events with the rest of the world and it certainly wouldn’t be safe during a war or after… Read more »
We need a collaboration of Sam Ryder and Kalush during the interval.
Would prefer Chanel and Kalush
I don’t understand how a Scottish town would represent the Scottish too much, but an English town would not represent the English too much.
You’re sort of hinting at one of the problems with the Glasgow proposal – and I’m speaking as a Eurofan who lives here – around half of the population dont feel that they are represented by the BBC, any of its entries since the 80s, or indeed anything that falls under the “UK” umbrella. We’d love to host despite all of this, but it feels a bit… illogical? There’s also the problem of Brexit (another thing that didn’t represent Scotland’s will, but anyway…) – the Westminster government have made it extremely difficult for us to welcome Ukrainian refugees here, and… Read more »
After all it’s the UK that won
The should have it in Space Man ?
So does that mean Norway or Switzerland should never host? They’re among the most expensive countries in Europe! Die-hard fans won’t care how much a pint of beer or a meal costs, they just want a terrific show. I’d love it to be staged in Glasgow, such a warm and friendly city and one of the most diverse in the UK and the BBC Scotland headquarters are right across the river from the Hydro. I do however think that if the contest is not being held in Ukraine (which seems extremely unlikely), then the EBU will simply announce the host… Read more »
There’s tonnes of people saying the BBC haven’t shown any interest in hosting…. no, they’ve not shown any PUBLIC interest in hosting. They’re a large, publicly responsible organisation that doesn’t jump up and down for anything unless it’s confirmed, approved, costs accounted and it’s actually happening. They don’t need to make media-savvy comments about an expressed interest in hosting. If they’re asked if they’re interested, they’ll run it by the board and then the process starts…
I think if the United Kingdom does end up hosting, I think Manchester would be a great host city. The MAN arena is more than capable. The city has a thriving arts, music, culture scene and a gay village. Transport connections are there too. And it would be 6 years since the arena bombing, so a sign of solidarity and unity through music …building some kind of bridge with Ukraine. I think Manchester. Also because I’m Irish, I wouldn’t say no to Belfast being host city either. I live almost equidistant between Dublin and Belfast so it would probably be… Read more »
Nice post, dude. Manchester is a great city, strategically, aesthetically, culturally. Great host contender. And the area (previously MEN Arena, now AO Arean) is a great venue.
Everything you’ve said about Manchester applies to Glasgow. If not more so, especially more than Belfast. It’s time for Scotland to host for only a second time.
I agree, Manchester would be a fantastic choice. I’m still holding out hope that if Manchester is on the table, the Co-op Live Arena would be considered, although if not then the Manchester Arena would be fine.
Belfast all the way, here are just 10 songs with Belfast in the lyrics
Plus you have great culture there outside of the music scene The Titanic Museum , Game if Thrones And the only Snug pubs left in the UK
The original Green Room !
10. Alternative Ulster, Stiff Little Fingers
9. Belfast, Boney M
8. Belfast, Energy Orchard
7. We Found Love, Rihanna , Calvin Harris
6. Stay, U2
5. Belfast Belfast, Clubsound
4. Cyprus Avenue, Van Morrison
3. Belfast, Barnbrack
2. Tell Me Ma, Sham Rock
1. Belfast Child, Simple Minds
Manchester, like its people, is such a sewer. London or Cardiff or somewhere, at least nice, where people speak correctly…
Well, unlucky for you, if you’re Spanish, you didn’t come second.. so tough. Enjoy the clouds and rain. UK 2023.
LOL it’s a heatwave currently here.
Many large venues require scheduled maintenance, rennovation etc and often have downtime to factor this in. I wouldn’t read too much into the Glasgow lead.
Guys, a pan-European mass gathering in Ukraine is out of the question… delegations would literally go to Ukraine uninsured; it’s a warzone…. A Ukrainian ESC isn’t going to happen next year. It will be in another European country, as much as we’d love it to be in Kyiv. These are facts.
EXACTLY.
It’s not THAT pricey here (especially in Scotland) compared to many other European countries. Also, we don’t have control over the weather…but it’s really not as bad as people make it out to be.
The Ukrainian National Opera in Kyiv reopened yesterday for the first time since the war began. While the costs involved make me think it’s still more likely than not Eurovision 2023 will be held outside Ukraine, I do think we’re underestimating the chances the Ukrainians will put in a real effort to try to hold the contest on home soil.
The National Opera House has a capacity of under 2,000. Completely unviable per the EBU’s requirements for the host venue.
I think the point is that culture can carry on, it will keep going through it all.
The EBU will not offer sentimentality. Ukraine has 3 to 4 months to prove it can host. And it can’t. It will not be held un Ukraine.
Big decisions like this should not be made for the few thousand people lucky enough to worry about such things. The contest is for the people at home, who won’t care about any of that.
Of course they are welcome, but if they don’t like it, don’t come.
I don’t want any slogan next year, they’ve used them all up and I don’t think they really add anything anyway. Retire the idea.
This. “I don’t want any slogan next year, they’ve used them all up and I don’t think they really add anything anyway. Retire the idea.” Finally, someone said it. Bravo, Jonas!
I would agree with you Whisker. But we read too many comments from people on this site who only think about their next holiday and what suits them.
Why not, it’s not a bad city for me
It’s all just fab speculation. A spokesperson for the venue has confirmed it here. https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-ovo-hydro-bosses-respond-24025485 If it does go to the UK I think there’d have to be a bidding process as there’s a number of cities that have the infrastructure and would be keen to host. I’d love to see it in my home city of Newcastle, but realistically I think it’s too small for such a huge event and the airport is rubbish. I’d say it’d be between London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or Belfast. Liverpool could be in with a shout too. Even though it’s on the small… Read more »
Fan speculation. Bloody autocorrect!
If Ukraine can’t hold it, let Glasgow do it while the UK still exists 🙂
London could upgrade the whole arena experience Can you imagine a mega Eurovision at the O2 with the Abba Voyage experience as an add on instead of the dated post card section
It can still be in Glasgow when Scotland win.
Or the United Kingdom.
Or Wales.
Or Cornwall…
The name is the United Kingdom. Scotland does not exist in Eurovision
The UK as we know it isn’t going anywhere, pal…
Birmingham Resorts World (NEC Arena next to Birmingham International Airport) ) only has Elton John on 19th April and nothing in May. It holds nearly 17k, has loads of hotels nearby and is next to motorways and an airport. What else do you need?!
If it’s Birmingham let it be the utilita arena (old NIA) once more. The arena is big enough, recently upgraded and it’s in a much nicer setting, canal sides, bars cafes hotels, next to the convention centre, that could be used.
In fact it’s a much more pleasant arena and surrounding area than Manchesters AO arena which seems to be too of lots of peoples lists
That’s exactly where it was the last time, though.
That’s ok isn’t it? It wil be 27 years difference. The Globen Stockholm hosted twice in a similar space of time
Edit; 25!years ?
You’re right, I suppose it’s not that big of a deal. It was nice to see another Swedish city get it in between the two Globens, though.
I would be very happy to see Manchester get it, but the arenas location concerns me. Not that’s it’s ugly or remote, but is it a little too congested, is there enough room for the back of house stuff?
Birmingham has also hosted MANY successful Eurovisions. I went to this arena where these athletics championships were going on and it was revealed very discretly to us that that was where Eurovision was in I believe 1998?!
Who on earth would want to go to that horrible city with Scousers?
Ahaha, fiction creating reality. Hmmm. There would be some logistical issues, but it’s possible. Surely it’s Spain’s turn though.
Sorry, how is it Spain’s turn?
Too dangerous to give the organisation to Ukraine. Better leave it to the UK or Poland. But I hope Ukraine won’t participate cause they’ll win again whatever the chosen song.
I can’t really see EBU letting Poland organize it after the cheating.
It’s very likely that Ukraine is going to win televote many times in a row – even in Jesc if they’ll partecipate in December.
Actually the UK has already made a formal request to host in 2023 However it would be unfair not to have a biding process I’d favour a city like Liverpool Newcastle or Cardiff over the obvious UK contenders
Im also not keen on the SNP hijacking the event as they did with the COP
Why Cardiff? It’s largest arena only has a capacity of 7500, not to mention it’s pretty outdated too. Cardiff isn’t as well connected to the rest of Europe either.
Manchester, Birmingham, London and Glasgow would be the frontrunners.
Millennium Stadium seats about 80,000 for rugby – it has a roof. Would be an amazing venue.
That’s too many seats. The semis wouldn’t come close to selling out, and the acoustics would be twice as bas Dusseldorf.
Size doesn’t always matter (Oo-er!) Malmo, Kiev and Tel -Aviv weren’t massive but still put on great shows. The BBC has a strong production hub in Cardiff. I’m not saying it’s an ideal place but it should be ruled out. The history of host venues in the UK suggests it is Wales’ turn
Turin was not that connected, and the tickets most people I know want via Venice then a train Whats the big deal ?
Turin was a mess, let’s not use it as an example.
It absolutely was a mess. It was a really lacklustre production. Still, the charm of the Italians shone through, I found. I did enjoy this year. For me, the slickest production in recent years was Israel – their show SMASHED it.
I’ve seen a few fans moan about this Italian contest, saying it was ‘a lacklustre production’- I find that a tad ungrateful. I thought it was a lovely production!
Sorry, it’s not about being ‘grateful’ – we didn’t get the Eurovision 2022 for free, gratis as a gift. Delegations and their representative broadcasters pay millions of euros to support, subscribe and enter the competition – so yes, a fantastical show, pushing the boundaries of production in concept, light, visuals, organisation and general presentation is expected, considering the ESC ranks among the world’s most watched non-sporting events every year. The show this year was formulaic, confused in its ethos – ‘the sound of beaut’ – (what does that even mean?), shouty, confused presenters and typical Italian TV standards. Did I… Read more »
Why was it a mess? Compared to 1991 they hosted beautifully!
Ah the CIA- too small and dilapidated for a contest today (and probably not adequate in 1998), but I enjoy going there. There are however, plans for a ritzy new arena down the Bay- give it five/six years from now!
The EBU wouldn’t let them hijack. But also bear mind they are the Scottish government. They are responsible for everything going smoothly. It has experience of events far bigger than Eurovision. It’s the right time for the Hydro and Glasgow to host.
“Hijack” here = not involviing a country’s head of state in the organisation of an international summit that takes place in said country. It’s an interesting definition of the term, to say the least.
Guys what happens if the Queen dies one week before Eurovision?
the beloved queen will not die soon ….she has the strong genes of her mother and father …so don’t worry. Long lives the queen ?.
Long live of course, but what it is a fact that we all will die. And our death won’t impact Eurovision, but of UK hosts and she dies they have a serious problem.
This is like fearing that the king of Norway, queen of Denmark or any other head of state might die just before the contest.
Obviously it’s not the same the significance of Queen Elizabeth to the rest. It would be a global ceremony
What? She is head of state to two Eurovision countries only.
Dunno. France pulled out of 1974 after Georges Pompidou died, but they weren’t the host. Maybe it would still go ahead, but just for the rest of Europe, with the BBC not broadcasting it at home until after the funeral.
The things we think about…
I doubt the contest will be in Abu Dhabi.
As long as some shouts “yass queen” every two minutes it will be OK. Preferably Tomasz Schafernaker in one of his tight suits.
in memoriam segment
A solemn dance act in semi final one, Sam Ryder can sing “Don’t Stop Me Now” (sad acoustic version). Sorted.
Oh my!… Some people think of literally everything. Every possible scenario. I’m at a loss for words.
Then we get something fun to watch intsead of the inevitable boring rolling news coverage, so it’s a win! Unless you were thinking about getting her to host for some reason.
This is Ukraine’s show, and whoever hosts it physically is there to facilitate that. So it wouldn’t really matter, unless the broadcaster has a hitherto unrevealed fondness for the british monarchy for some reason
That is unkind. She might outlive you!
No more third fourth cities! Please give it to London, it has tons of choices for the fans! Turin was a mess!
Londons hosted 4 times already. Hotels are ridiculously overpriced and the Eurovillage would be nowhere near the venue. You can’t create a “Eurovision environment” for fans to meet likeminded fans in a city as big and as busy as London. F**k London.
But there’s so much more in the UK than London! Places with unique cultures, music scenes, and certainly more friendly people…
Torino was not a mess sb
This is just window dressing. Glasgow really isn’t a logistical host city. 1. Even though it has SOME flights to the continent they are few and far between with the majority of flights are to Spain, France, UK (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Most will have to either change at Manchester Airport/Heathrow and get a second flight to Glasgow or take a 3hr Train from Manchester Piccadilly. 2. Hotel Rooms are not the best and are scattered far wide and can become very pricey very quickly especially during events, just like London. 3.The UK is facing a huge… Read more »
I actually think Bulgaria would have won in 2020 but we will never know.
I’m team Moldova
Manifesting Chisinau 2023, kirkorovless pls
Do they even have a venue?
They built a venue last year I believe… 5.000 seats.
You could fly into Bucharest then take that train?
Given UK’s sudden upward trajectory and what it could possibly mean for future acts, would they want to put themselves in a position where they might have to host twice? Not commenting on next year’s entry, but if they continue they could be one to be the one to watch.
“might have to host twice” – The BBC has renevue of £5.064 billion and the UK is in the top-5 world economies. Not that it matters ONE BIT about the financial status of a proud country hosting a great ESC show, but worrying about hosting it twice really isn’t an issue of ANY concern….
I am now in my head reading all the comments below in the appropriate Brittish accent for the opinion in question, it’s entertaining. I also add “mate” and “bollocks” here and there.
What about Iceland hosting the Eurovision 2023?
Second place should host in the event of first place unable. End of.
Why hasn’t France offered to host yet? They’re the only big-5 country to not offer to host next year.
Personally, I’d like to see one of Ukraine’s best friends host. Germany, Poland, Lithuania and Georgia all rank pretty high on Ukraine’s best-friends list. However, as Poland was caught up in the cheating scandal I doubt the EBU want to work closely with them. Georgia and Lithuania have no interest in hosting, so I think Germany would make the perfect host. Berlin 2023, anyone?
Choosing the host country is not that simple. It’s not like “Oh you are my best friend, why don’t you host it, even if you don’t want to or can’t”
We already know that? That’s why I crossed off Georgia or Lithuania hosting. Even though they’re Ukraine’s closest allies, they can’t/wont host.
So, we’re left with Germany.
Poland seems logical to me, if they’re willing. They’re just next door and they’ve hosted the junior contest recenty. Call me a cynic, but I don’t think the cheating scandal would be a dealbreaker, especially since they’ve not kicked up much of a fuss about being caught.
France has the Olympics.
France has the olympics in 24 they can hardly afford I doubt they want Eurovision
France hosted JESC few months ago and will host Eurovision Young Musicians in July. Don’t worry France does his job to welcome Eurovision events.
*their job
(London)Derry 2023 pleeease!
Ireland need to go back to the drawing board. Stat.
Yes to Glasgow. Give them that, please. Or else, they’ll leave the UK for good.
Scotland will eventually leave the union, regardless if they host Eurovision or not.
Thallo – and that is good for Scotland (to leave the union they hate so much). Scotland will be very welcome (back) here in Europe. Okay, this is political stuff – and that is not my part to decide that.
You wanna bet it on it? Not in this financial climate they won’t – lol. Run a referendum next week and see what happens. The London lifeline is doing its thing pretty good right now….
Good riddence
Boris Johnson and the conservative parties are so desperate about the fact the Scotland and North Ireland are up in arms and want to leave the UK that now they will even let Scotland to host Eurovision. Desperation….
Utter nonsense and conjecture. Stop poltically willy-waving, you’re too small to notice.
Don’t worry, both of them will leave eventually. UK will be left alone in its medieval “union” with a half-dead queen dining on taxpayer’s money.
Wouldn’t Magic Mike being scheduled for April 25 conflict with the stage building and tech rehearsals?
Magic Mike could be the interval act?
I think it has been cancelled
Please not Scotland they want to leave the United Kingdom
With attitudes like that we gonnae be more likely to go
Not in this financial climate, you’re not. Run a referendum next week and see what happens? Thought not.
Please not the UK, they left the EU
Did you complain when Israel and Ukraine hosted?
What would you suggest if Switzerland or Norway won?
Is leaving any worse than not wanting to join the EU in the first place? The reasons are not dissimilar.
They are. Valid reasoning for one, uninformed nationalism for the other.
What about Russia hosting when Dima Bilan won?!
Glasgow didn’t even vote to leave the EU, it voted overwhelming to stay
What on EARTH does the EU have to do with Eurovision, you utter imbecile.
It makes logistical issues around travel, transport and work easier for the large number of participating countries who are in or have sensible and longstanding reciprocal arrangements with the EU, you delightful person.
There are other countries also not in the EU. Shut your dirty mouth
They’re probably going to bid for it, and use the availability as a selling point, don’t think anyone’s decided anything yet
1980 ESC was in the Netherlands, a random country and not 2nd place of ESC 1979.
Strange way of forcing a story from nothing. I thought I’d take a look at other UK arenas and their availability next May, and guess what? The first two I looked at both have nothing on in May 2023!
(Just to add though, I think Glasgow would be a great choice)
The British Govt sent COP26 to Glasgow and the Scottish Events Campus (which the hydro is part of) partially as to say hey this is the stuff you get when you’re part of the UK. I would imagine the govt doing the same with this and pressuring the BBC to host it up in Glasgow (no other suitable venues in Scotland), alongside ‘levelling up’ there’s no chance we’d have it in London. Glasgow has great infrastructure tho, and alongside Edinburgh could host all the events between the two cities. Plus they could probably make the Scottish govt put money towards… Read more »
On what honour should the UK host ? It only came second because of some aggregate votes.
If Ukraine can’t host it’s anyway an all ukrainian presentation, and the show must still be producedand presentated by the ukrainians not the BBC and some brits pretending the are the 2022 winners.
You clearly dislike the uk
It came second. Ukraine in this time of war could not host. Celoso mucho…
Nicolas – you are a salty, pessimistic, snot-nosed imbecile. Regards, a Brit.
Sure sound like a stuck-up brit.
People wanted Ukraine to win in a clearly political way, let Ukraine host it and see who takes part
I feel the Ukrainian people need money, they are asking for weapons, food and eventually a need to rebuild hospitals, schools, homes. I’m not sure how I feel about the Ukraine funding Eurovision or asking for donations for the funding when their are serious priorities.
Equally I would respect and live for a contest to be in peaceful Ukraine.
Adding to this. Imagine how many prostheses you can buy with the money you’ll spend organising the contest… For the people who lost arms & legs… Now That’s a really serious issue.
Not political, Ethan. Emotional.
Oh the bitterness!
why not Manchester Arena or London The O2 Arena?
Why not Glasgow?
The UK and Australia are the only two countries participating in the ESC which require the entry visa for Ukrainian citizens. Since Australia cannot host anyway, that’s just one.
Is it really a good option for the contest be held in the place where the winning nation’s presence is limited by the bureaucracy tho we have plenty of other potential venues?
Happy Election Day, Australia!
Byebye, Scott Morrison…
Not just them, people in the Balkans in the countries not in EU also need visa for the UK – Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia. Not to mention more countries the East like Moldova, Georgia…
Other countries have made an exception for Ukrainian refugees. The UK has not.
Ukraine has Visa free regime with EU countries since 2016
Not the whole EU. Refugees should never need a visa anywhere.
For me, this is the #1 reason why the UK should not be hosting. It would be really hypocritical: “Hey, so about all of those children and pensioners who’re shivering in bomb shelters…we’re not interested, you can keep them. But we’ll be super happy to hold Eurovision on your behalf. You’re welcome!”
DiS cOuNtRy HaS vIsAs – Yeah, it does – because we’ve had Russians poisining British nations with nerve agents in recent times. Get with it. We’re protecting ourselves with extra vetting, not telling you to buggar off. Only a small-minding simpleton would take offence at the fact that a visa requirement is a bloody insult. Imbecile.
Are you Priti Patel? Because it takes a rare and special mind to come up with an argument like that, and she’s the only other person I’ve seen attempting to make it.
I know a lot of people knew the OVO Hydro from the Eurovision movie, which I can understand. International superstars have held their concerts there, and it’s awesome. However, London does have two international-scale event venues that CAN certainly host Eurovision 2023 (if Ukraine will not be able to host): The O2 Arena and the OVO Arena, Wembley. Both of them have a height of more than 18 meters, which is the requirement for a Eurovision venue. For me, the OVO Arena, Wembley can certainly host Eurovision 2023. I figure that the smaller the venue is for an international-scale event,… Read more »
It’s not going to be Wembley or even likely London by any chance, The amount of football events going on around that area in May would make handling the crowds a logistical nightmare
Why does it have to be in the UK? I really love London, and I am always happy to get there as a tourist. But in the context of Eurovision I wouldn’t like next year to be organized there. Especially because lots of people there ignored their contestant and supported Ukraine more than Sam just because they found it more realistic Ukraine to win. Some of them were like ‘Ukraine has to win, newspapers say that we might organize it instead of them.’ I am very sorry for the contestants who competed this year. I feel like their dedication and… Read more »
lol so many downvotes for London hosting… why?!
I’m from the UK and I can’t see it happening. I’m sure Boris Johnson would like to say “look at us helping Ukraine” but the BBC aren’t jumping up and down about it and haven’t expressed an interest publicly. It would be fun to recreate the Eurovision Fire Saga movie but I really think Spain want to host.
Tory policy is to hate all public television. The BBC might love to host the contest, but they are in grave danger as it is. With Boris cutting their funding, another big bill is the last thing they need.
Put it on Channel 4 with Nadine Dorries as the host (not)
As a Spaniard, I don’t want Spain to host the Contest. I prefer if RTVE focuses of producing another good Benidorm Fest and waits until we eventually win, whenever it is, rather than spending resources in hosting the 2023 Contest
The bbc are always very quiet till things are a done deal
Hannah, love – you should know that the BBC is a public-owned corporation and don’t ‘jump up and down’ for anything unless it’s approved and confirmed as actually happening. This isn’t some backalley cable TV firm….
The UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands should quit speculating on the host city. Like, why are you offering if no one asked you yet. It’s rude.
If Ukraine will not be able to host (likely scenario) it’s their choice to whom delegate the honour. I think the most appropriate option is that a neighbouring country with strong cultural and political ties to Ukraine lends their safe city and venues, but the event is still hosted by UA:PBC.
One day, I would love to see Eurovision in the UK tho. I bet the hosting would be phenomenal.
Word.
I don’t think any of them have said it that way. Spain said it before the liveshows (referring to the event in which Spain would win), Italy and Netherlands were both asked whether they would host again and said they would if they were asked and the UK hasn’t said anything, it’s just an empty venue – it’a not UK’s fault Wiwibloggs (and other media) create a story based on this.
That’s false. Italy (aka RAI) never said they want to host. RAI director said they will help Ukraine to host in their country and offer any support. That’s it. Only the mayor of Turin said he would host it. But he doesn’t represent Italy or RAI.
“Why are you offering if no one asked” – sorry, are you like – 12?
How bold of me to assume that people knew the concept of rhetorical questions…
Here’s a clue: “sorry, are you like – 12?” is a rhetorical question too.
The Ukraine are too weak to host. It’s like asking a friend for help.
1960 was the first and only instance of the runner-up hosting.
The article gives the impression that a runner-up hosting is the rule in case the winner can’t/doesn’t want to host (well, it’s not, there’s no such rule). It also gives the impression that this had happened more often in the past (actually, only in 7 occasions, the last one being in 1980…), and it “strategically” picks the only time the UK hosted as runner-up (exactly in 1960). It also gives the impression that we should all start discussing alternatives when Ukraine is still the country that owns the right to host next year, and I honestly think we should all… Read more »
I’m not sure if it was as calculated as that, but yeah, facts are facts.
If it wasn’t as calculated as that, then the article is just sloppy and poorly researched. Given the fact that this is the “most popular eurovision-related blog”, I don’t really know which scenario I prefer, to be honest…
One question for all the English people. The main country is the UK or the countries are England, Scotland, Wales and the north Ireland
Not from the UK myself but from what I understand, the UK is a “country of countries”, each with its own degree of autonomy. Not all British people are English, but also Welsh, Scots, and Northern Irish, as well as Cornish, Manx, etc. 🙂
A united kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The Isle of Man is not part of the UK.
Yes, there is nothing too small for me to nitpick.
Why just ask the English? That seems to be the whole problem…
Here:
https://evanevanstours.com/travel-guide/london-guide/is-the-uk-a-country-the-union-explained/#:~:text=The%20'United%20Kingdom'%20refers%20to,a%20certain%20extent%20of%20autonomy.
I’m not British but the answer is… its complicated. English folks tend to consider themselves a more British identity (as British culture tends to mean English culture for many abroad) and then English as seen as equal to or the same as that Scottish and Welsh folks usually tend to identify as Scottish or Welsh as the main country. North Ireland is complicated, some identify as British, some identify as simply Irish, some as Northern Irish and some as all 3 or a mix of several of those As for Manx as someone here mentioned they aint even considered part… Read more »
You’ve quite literally intended to ask a question without asking a question; you’ve stated a fact.
Glasgow is expensive, just checked some prices… i think Manchester would be the first option for BBC, unless Scotland puts pressure to host the show there.
By the way, BBC has not confirmed interest to host Eurovision unlike other broadcasters (RAI, RTVE, ATROS) that have done already.
I’d prefer Spain, Poland or Netherlands to be honest.
If it’s in the uk I could see Manchester being the obvious choice, it has a large arena and a strong BBC presence.
But there are many other amazing cities all with fantastic arenas. The one in Manchester is quite ugly and soulless.
No, wrong and conjecturous – the BBC have not PUBLICLY stated that they are interested – it’s a public corporation, they don’t throw around media-savvy statements like the smaller broadcasters in Europe….
I would love for my city to host Eurovision.
Scotland is an open and friendly country, Glasgow has just hosted COP26, The SEC is next door to the Hydro which could act as a press centre and the Riverside and Glasgow Green could be Eurovillage.
If this was to happen, I’d love a song to represent the UK in Gaelic!
Scotland in general would be a friendly nation and very passionate about ESC. They are proud people that would love to get the opportunity to show their country to the rest of Europe.
Lulu for the interval.
Scots Gaelic is an awful, half dead language.
Aw cmon we could do our own “Fulenn”, it’d be great:) But *no dancing with the devil on a Sunday*, or the local minister will throw you to the seagulls…
what some people fail to realize is that, in order to host Eurovision, most (if not all) events that are initially scheduled in April should also be relocated, because of the extra amount of time to construct the stage and to do stand-in rehearsals.