Manchester has been officially shortlisted to hold Eurovision 2023

The BBC has today announced that Manchester has progressed to the next stage of the selection process and shortlisted as a Eurovision host city for 2023.

The city is one of seven to submit bids to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) after it was concluded that UK would host the event on behalf of war-stricken Ukraine.

Manchester joins Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield in the battle to welcome the event in May next year, reports the BBC.

“It’s exciting to see such a breadth of bids going through from across the UK,” says Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted Content.

“We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”

Celebrating on the decision, Greater Manchester’s night time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, says “Come on!!! We deserve this!”

Official: MANCHESTER has been shortlisted to hold Eurovision 2023.

Come on!!! We deserve this!

— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) August 12, 2022

Back in June, Manchester volunteered to host Eurovision in the hope the song contest comes to the UK.

The Host City selection process is a two-stage process and these seven cities will now go through to the second and final stage, where they will be asked to develop their bids in more detail. The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be decided by the BBC in conjunction with the EBU, and the successful city will be announced in the Autumn.

The final decision on the winning Host City will be determined by which city or region scores highest against an agreed evaluation criteria, assessed by the BBC. These criteria include: 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.

“We are thrilled to have made it through and be named a shortlisted host city,” says Council Leader Bev Craig, reacting to today’s announcement.

Thrilled to be through to the next round of Eurovision. Manchester stands ready to host the most iconic party the UK has ever seen. pic.twitter.com/GQzl1wwSCt

— Bev Craig (@bevcraig) August 12, 2022

“Manchester stands ready to put on the biggest party in the UK at the city’s AO Arena, taking our place in Eurovision’s unique history.

“We have a large and proud Ukrainian community in Manchester. It would be our privilege to host this iconic celebration on their behalf and we will do everything we can to honour them throughout.”

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