The BBC has now confirmed the outcome of the first stage of the Host City bidding process for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in the UK in 2023. Birmingham, alongside six other cities – Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield – have been shortlisted, making it through to the next stage of the Host City process.
Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, tweeted: “Delighted that Birmingham is on the shortlist to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. This is a wonderful, vibrant and friendly city where everyone is welcome and if given the chance, we will do our friends in Ukraine proud.”
Birmingham notably also recently hosted the Concert for Ukraine at the Resorts World Arena venue, raising £12.2 million for the war relief effort.
In a press release, the BBC explained: “The final decision on the winning Host City will be determined by which city or region scores highest against an agreed evaluation criteria, assessed by the BBC.
“These criteria include: having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest; the commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution; the strength of the cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music; and alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster, such as providing value to all audiences and supporting the creative economy in the UK.”
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Director of Unscripted Content, added: “We would like to thank all of the cities and regions that submitted bids to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We have seven fantastic cities who we are taking through to the next round.”
“Congratulations to Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield – it’s exciting to see such a breadth of bids going through from across the UK. We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”
