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Manchester makes shortlist to host Eurovision 2023
Manchester is competing with the likes of Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle to host the competition
Manchester is one of the seven cities shortlisted to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Manchester joins Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield in the battle to welcome the event in May next year, the BBC reports.
Twenty cities expressed an interest in hosting the competition, with those not making the shortlist including London and Belfast.
Others to miss out include Aberdeen, Bristol and Darlington.
The BBC said the seven-strong shortlist was based on the cities’ abilities to show they have ‘the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.’
A statement added that the process was ‘heavily weighted towards demonstrating past experience in hosting major international events, as well as being able to demonstrate their credentials in hosting a celebration of contemporary music’.
The seven cities will be scored on a set of criteria, the BBC said, including:
- “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.”
The successful city will be chosen by the BBC and Eurovision organisers, and will be announced in the autumn.
It was announced last month that the UK will host the annual song contest for the first time in twenty-four years, after organisers decided it could not go ahead in Ukraine – who won this year’s competition – due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The UK came in second place thanks to Sam Ryder’s smash-hit ‘Spaceman’, prompting the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to open talks with the BBC.