UK confirmed as host of Eurovision 2023 -

The organisation behind Eurovision has confirmed that the 2023 event will be held in the UK, because of the ongoing instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine won the 2022 event, represented by Kalush Orchestra. The UK came second overall, which is why organisers have selected the UK to host the 2023 event.

Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final of the 2022 event – which is standard for the winning country – along with the ‘Big 5’ (those countries that financially contribute the most towards the Contest: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).

Organisers have indicated that while the event will be hosted by the UK, there will be clear recognition and celebration of Ukraine as the reigning title-holders.

The next question is which city in the UK will be the host venue for the 2023 event. The host city criteria includes providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators (as well as a press centre), is located within easy reach of an international airport, and has ample hotel accommodation.

The BBC is the UK broadcaster responsible for staging Eurovision 2023. It’s likely that they’ll be looking for a regional city where the BBC has a large production base – leading contenders are likely to be Glasgow, Manchester, and Cardiff.