The cities that might host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 have been reduced to just two.
This can only mean one thing: we’re getting even closer to learning the location of the largest music competition in the world next year. There is one thing we can be certain of: the United Kingdom will host Eurovision 2023, but where in the UK?
In August, there were seven cities in the run: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.
But now, there are only these two cities to choose from: Glasgow and Liverpool.
Eurovision 2023 Host City Shortlist
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, and the fourth-most populous city in the United Kingdom. It is the fifth most visited city in the UK and has more than 15,000 hotel rooms throughout the Greater Glasgow area.
The city is notable for its architecture, culture, media, music scene, sports clubs, and transportation connections. The city was the European Capital of Culture in 1990 and hosts various renowned cultural institutions like The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, The Scottish Ballet, and The Scottish Opera.
Glasgow has a large urban transport system and is served by two international airports, all roughly 45 minutes away from the city centre. Glasgow international airport is approximately 20 minutes drive from the OVO Hydro arena.
Ovo Hydro
Glasgow wants Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in the Ovo Hydro arena, the largest entertainment venue in Scotland.
The arena opened its doors in 2013 and can hold up to 14,300 spectators at its maximum and attracts over 1 million visitors annually.
The Ovo Hydro is probably familiar to the Eurovision fans who have watched the movie “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”, where some of the movie was shot.
Huge names have performed in the arena, to mention a few: Maroon 5, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Madonna, U2, Adele, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Michael Bublé, Cher, Céline Dion…
In 2014 the arena hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards.
From Glasgow City Centre, it takes around 20 minutes to walk to Ovo Hydro (2.5 km). It is served by the Exhibition Centre railway station.
Liverpool
Liverpool has evolved from its industrial past to become one of Britain’s most thriving and dynamic cultural hubs.
Liverpool’s metropolitan area is the fifth largest in the United Kingdom with a population of 2.2 million and in 2019 was the fifth most visited city in the UK. Liverpool has a big connection with the world of arts especially with music as it is the “home” of The Beatles.
Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music, and the heart of the community is still the football club, Liverpool F.C.
The city has more galleries and museums than any other UK city but London: Museum of Liverpool, Spaceport Planetarium, Tate Liverpool, to name a few.
The city features a strong service of transportation and the Liverpool John Lennon Airport with multiple international connections.
Liverpool Arena
M&S Bank Arena, previously Echo Arena
The Liverpool Arena, also called “M&S Bank Arena” is part of Exhibition Centre Liverpool and is placed in central Liverpool right next to River Mersey. The arena opened in 2008 and has a capacity of 11,000.
It hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2008 and has hosted huge concerts such as Andrea Bocelli, Beyoncé, Elton John, Kanye West, Kasabian, The Killers, Lady Gaga, Oasis, Pink, Rihanna…
Since the opening in 2008, the complex has attracted more than 8 million visitors to around 4,500 events.
Direct public transport to the M&S Bank Arena is by bus. James Street railway station is a short walk away and is served by the Merseyrail Wirral Line. The station is two stops away from Liverpool Lime Street mainline station.
What will happen next?
The final decision of the Eurovision 2023 host city will be made by the BBC and the EBU (European Broadcasting Union). Further discussions will now take place with officials from Glasgow and Liverpool and.
The two cities will be scored on a set of criteria:
- A host venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, available for preparations for six to eight weeks
- A press centre for 1,500 journalists
- A city served by an international airport
- Hotel accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and spectators
- 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
- 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 final decision will be made within weeks.
Why will Eurovision 2023 be held in United Kingdom?
The British broadcaster BBC, the Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC and the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) agreed back in July, that the 67th edition of our beloved contest will be held in the United Kingdom.
The announcement came after EBU opted out Ukraine as host country for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 for safety and security reasons. As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to host Eurovision 2023.
It will be the ninth time the contest is held in the United Kingdom. The Brits have already hosted Eurovision eight times, mainly in the 60’s and 70’s:
- 1960: London (Royal Festival Hall)
- 1963: London (BBC Television Centre)
- 1968: London (Royal Albert Hall)
- 1972: Edinburgh (Usher Hall)
- 1974: Brighton (The Dome)
- 1977: London (Wembley Conference Centre)
- 1982: Harrogate (Harrogate Conference Centre)
- 1998: Birmingham (National Indoor Arena)
….and now again:
- 2023: Glasgow or Liverpool
Participants
33 countries have expressed their interest for participation in the contest, which is subject to change:
EBU Member Broadcasters, on behalf of their countries, have until mid-October 2022 to formally submit their applications to take part in Eurovision 2023.
Tickets
Usually the tickets go out early the same year or late the year before the contest. We expect the tickets for Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to go on sale late 2022.
The start of tickets sale depended on several factors: Firstly the host city and arena must be chosen. Secondly selection of ticket agency. Thirdly a floor plan of seats/stands in the arena when stage design, green room and camera placement have roughly been decided.
Eurovision tickets the previous years
- Eurovision 2022: 7 April 2022
- Eurovision 2021: No public sale
- Eurovision 2020: 12 December 2019
- Eurovision 2019: 18 February 2019
- Eurovision 2018: 30 November 2017
- Eurovision 2017: 14 February 2017
- Eurovision 2016: 26 November 2015
- Eurovision 2015: 15 December 2014
- Eurovision 2014: 29 November 2013
- Eurovision 2013: 26 November 2012
