The United Kingdom is officially confirmed as the host country for Eurovision 2023. Since then, cities all across the country have put themselves forward to host the event. One such candidate is the city of London, the capital of the UK.
Unsurprisingly, it wouldn’t be the first time London would have hosted, having welcomed the continent to the city on four occasions – 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977.
The capital has various venues it could host in, such as two iconic additions to its skyline, the O2 Arena and world-famous Wembley. Could the contest be heading back to one of the biggest cities in Europe? Either way, here’s 10 facts about London!
10 Facts about London: Eurovision 2023 host city bid
1. London alone has a bigger population than 23 of the countries that participated in Eurovision 2022
This might sound crazy but it’s true! London’s population is most comparable with Austria’s, with the central hub of the UK just pipping the nation of Conchita Wurst. The smallest is of course San Marino, who have 266 times less people than live in London.
2. The Summer Olympics have been hosted in London three times, more than any other city
In 1908, 1948 and most recently 2012, London has excelled at hosting arguably the biggest event in the world, the Summer Olympics. Ten years ago the United Kingdom provided us with sporting greatness, as well as highly-memorable moments involving Mr Bean, and most importantly, the Spice Girls on top of London’s famous black cabs.
3. The London Underground transport system covers 43 million miles a year
That is halfway to the actual Sun. She’s busy. Also, 1.265 billion people use the system annually — that’s more than the population of India.
4. The Gunpowder Plot is a central piece of British culture stemming from the capital
Every 5th November, many people across Britain celebrate Bonfire Night; a night where people set off fireworks filled with gunpowder to celebrate when Guy Fawkes tried (and crucially failed) to blow up The Houses of Parliament in central London. There are also huge bonfires, which somewhat morbidly relate to Guy and his friend Thomas Percy’s fate as punishment for their foiled plan. Soup and mulled wine is often on hand to help people warm up as they stand in the freezing cold next to giant flames. It’s pure autumnal goodness.
5. The Millennium Dome is a truly unique sight, and 8th largest building in the world by usable space
The Millennium Dome is a huge entertainment complex by the river in Greenwich, London. It houses the possible Eurovision host venue of the O2 Arena, as well as a cinema, nightclub and many bars/restaurants. It’s a bright white dome, with 12 spires. It was built to celebrate the year 2000, and is 365m in circumference, 52m high. The circumference, height and spires represent days, weeks and months of the year!
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6. The Queen actually does live at Buckingham Palace
The building isn’t just a show-piece, she is often home at the world-famous landmark. You know she is home when the official royal flag is flying above on the flagpole. She has other residences across the UK, including Windsor Castle, Sandringham in Norfolk, and Balmoral in the north of Scotland.
7. Over 300 languages are spoken in London
London is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, and you can find the cuisine and culture of almost any country somewhere within the capital. This is particularly great for potential visiting Eurofans, who’ll feel right at home in the metropolis.
8. London Zoo was the first zoo in the world to open to the public
Originally a scientific research facility, ZSL London Zoo opened it’s doors to the public in 1828, and it was the first ever to do so. It is steeped in magnificent history, with famous exhibits all over. Winnie The Pooh was actually named after a real black bear, of course called Winnie, after author AA Milne saw her on a visit with his son, Christopher Robin.
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9. London has one of the most iconic theatre scenes in the world
It’s not a secret that a night out in the West End to watch a show is one of the best experiences in the world. You can catch old school classics like Phantom of the Opera, or more recent additions like Heathers. You’ll have the time of your life either way. The longest running show in the world is Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’, a murder mystery play that is celebrating its 70th anniversary year in 2022. When are we getting a Eurovision play? Maybe a musical about the life of Carola? “Waterloo” isn’t even in Mamma Mia!
10. London has one of the oldest and biggest Pride celebrations in the world
Pride in London started out 50 years ago as a protest in times when the LGBTQIA+ community was less accepted in the UK. It is still an important protest today, but we’re all free to celebrate who we are, with millions of people coming to the city dressed in all colours of the rainbow to rejoice in all things Pride. The 2022 celebrations had headliners including world-famous Ava Max, and Eurovision’s very own Netta Barzilai. Netta performed “Toy” to an excited crowd, as well as her latest single “I Love My Nails”.
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What do you think of London? Would you like to see Eurovision head to the Big Smoke? Let us know in the comments below. You can also vote in our poll for your choice of host city.
Nah, even the British public have turned on London