The UK Will Host The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest

The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the United Kingdom. The UK will host the event for the first time since the 1998 contest was held in Birmingham. A bidding process will now take place within the UK to decide upon the host city. 

The announcement of the UK as the host of the contest came after the 2022 contest winners, Ukraine had to decline the invitation to host the event, due to the ongoing invasion of the country by Russian forces. 

In a press release from The European Broadcasting Union and newly announced 2023 broadcast partner the BBC, Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor, shared his thoughts.

"We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023." “The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.”

Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of Ukraine's UA:PBC expressed her confidence that the Ukraine's defense of their 2022 title, won by Kalush Orchestra, will be well-handled by the UK host partners. 

“The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us. I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.” 

Director General of the BBC, Tim Davie confirmed that the presentation will be both respectful and supportive of Ukraine. 

"It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.” 

The Guardian is reporting that British cities are being invited to bid to host the event. Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester have apparently already shown an interest in hosting  

Whichever city the contest ends up in, Australia will be there, looking to improve on Sheldon Riley's 15th place in the 2022 contest.