Eurovision host city update expected today

Liverpool is one of seven UK cities shortlisted to host Eurovisi0n in 2023.

An update on the Eurovision Song Contest host city shortlist is expected later today, according to the BBC.

Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester form the current shortlist of potential cities to host Eurovision in 2023 in place of Ukraine.

Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show cannot be held in the country following Russia’s invasion.

Watch Liverpool’s Eurovision bid video, produced by us here at The Guide below:

Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool, says the chance to showcase Liverpool via such a huge event is definitely one worth fighting for.

“I think you have to separate whether you’re personally a fan of Eurovision or not because irrespective of whether you like the contest as a contest, it has now grown into a really substantial event.

“There’s absolutely no doubt that any event which is going to bring a worldwide population to view your city, and all those images that are then shown of that city, will be massively beneficial from an economic and a social perspective. 

“In every city where Eurovision has been held, there’s clear evidence that the tourism growth in those cities has been anything from 5 to 15% for the next five years because of the national and international exposure you get from hosting an event like this so that’s definitely got to be worth having.”

Thank you to our sister city #Odesa in Ukraine, who have produced this video to support our Eurovision bid – it's simply breathtaking!

“Let the songs of the entire of Europe ring over the Mersey” 💛 💙 💜 pic.twitter.com/TAGDL9aLZl

— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) September 22, 2022

The selected city will be crowned host of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after the UK was given the chance to host the event for the ninth time – more than any other country – after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.

The shortlist was narrowed down from 20 UK cities who initially submitted an “expression of interest”, with applicants across all four regions demonstrating how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.

Of the seven cities shortlisted, six are in England and one is in Scotland, with Belfast failing to make the cut for Northern Ireland.

The cities have each been scored on a set of criteria, the BBC revealed. Requirements include “a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest”, necessary commitment to the contest including a financial contribution, and “alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster”.

Let us know why you think Liverpool should host the competition on Twitter here.