Eurovision Song Contest could be coming to Manchester in 2023

Manchester tipped to host Eurovision 2023 after offer to BBC

Written by I Love MCR
Last updated 2 years ago
Civic, Featured, Music

Manchester has volunteered to host Eurovision 2023 if the song contest comes to the UK next year.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are in talks with the BBC to host the ESC 2023 event next May after concluding that it would probably not be safe or logistically possible for reigning champions Ukraine to host because of the ongoing war with Russia.

British participant Sam Ryder cam second at last month’s contest with his track “Space Man” behind only Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra – the UK’s best result in 24 years.

While Ukrainian officials lamented the news that the contest would skip over Kyiv, the EBU’s statement has caused great excitement in the UK – with several cities already throwing their hats in the ring to host the contest.

https://twitter.com/patkarney/status/1538049533157974016?s=21&t=EAHLUVqOycoycrrxMkV8tQ

The leader of Manchester Council Bev Craig said: “Not the circumstances that anyone would want given the war in Ukraine. But if it’s to be a UK city – I can’t think of anywhere better, a great music city and fittingly home to a large Ukrainian community.”

Meanwhile, Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord added: “Bringing Eurovision to Greater Manchester 2023, would be huge for our city region. We’re globally known for our music and I’m confident the right people would give it the full support to make this happen.”

Pictured: Plans for a huge new £350m arena, CoOp Live.

This article was last updated 2 years ago.
It was first published on 17 June 2022 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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