As the BBC gets closer to making a decision, Liverpool is today a significant step closer to receiving the coveted “douze points” of being the host city for Eurovision 2023.
Liverpool and Glasgow have advanced to the final stages of the bidding process, the BBC has confirmed today. Official presentations by shortlisted host cities were made last week.
Liverpool stepped forward and offered to host the event in support of, and as a tribute to, Ukraine and its people after it was difficult to decide to find an alternative location for the 2023 competition due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have been working with partners across the city region to produce a detailed bid, outlining why Liverpool could – and should – host the biggest song competition in the world.
As part of the process, judges have looked at venues, transport links, funding and past experience of hosting major events – and with Liverpool and Glasgow both designated UNESCO Cities of Music, there’s still all to play for!
A final decision on who is hosting Eurovision 2023 is expected very soon.
Phil Harrold, the chair of the BBC’s Host City Selection Committee said:
‘Thanks to all 7 cities across the UK who have demonstrated the enthusiasm and passion for Eurovision that exists right across the UK. We were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of all the city bids, in what was a highly competitive field. The Eurovision Song Contest is a very complex event and Liverpool and Glasgow have the strongest overall offer; we will continue our discussions with them to determine the eventual host city.
We are determined to make the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest one that both reflects the winning position of Ukraine and is also an event that all of the UK can participate in.’
Claire McColgan CBE, Director of Culture Liverpool, said:
“The process of bidding for Eurovision has once again shown why Liverpool is such a brilliant event city.
Partners from across the region – from hoteliers to the police, ACC Liverpool to the local hospitals – have got behind our plans and really stepped up to help bring this to the city.”
The BBC and the European Broadcasting Union will jointly make the final decision regarding the host city for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
