Eurovision: UK in talks to host 2023 contest instead of Ukraine

Image caption,

The UK’s Sam Ryder was recently pictured in a pink Kalush Orchestra hat, in a nod to this year’s Ukrainian winners

The BBC is in talks with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) “to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest” in the UK.

Ukrainian broadcaster AU: PBC said it was “disappointed with this decision”.

But the show’s organisers concluded, after a “full assessment and feasibility study”, that next year’s event cannot be held in the winning country, Ukraine.

This is due to the ongoing war following Russia’s invasion.

Traditionally, the winning country is asked to host the following year’s contest.

Further negotiations requested

Reacting to the EBU’s decision, Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA: PBC, said: “During this month, a large number of people in Ukraine have thrown all their efforts to fulfil the conditions for holding Eurovision in our country,” he said.

“Security is, of course, our first priority. The team of UA: PBC, state and local authorities did a thorough job and offered different options.”

He added: “It is a pity to see such an unappealable statement, therefore, we ask our partners to hold further negotiations.”

Sam Ryder came second for the UK, the country’s best result since 1998, at this year’s event in May.

Ryder topped the jury vote in Turin in May, but rap-folk band Kalush Orchestra, who were given special permission to leave the war-torn country to compete, soared to first place with 631 points in a symbolic show of public support.

Eurovision hosting facts

The EBU said in a statement it had conducted the study with Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC and external specialists, amid the conflict, but that the “security and operational guarantees” required to host the event cannot be fulfilled in the war-torn country.

The organisation thanked the winning nation’s broadcaster for its “wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios” and said it shared in “their sadness and disappointment”, adding it would continue to support them.

“As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner-up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom,” the statement read.

“It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts.”

Media caption,

The UK won the jury vote before Ukraine stormed into the lead following huge public support

A BBC spokesman added: “We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly these aren’t a set of circumstances that anyone would want. Following their decision, we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.”

Katrina Leskanich, lead singer for the UK’s winning 1997 Eurovision entry Katrina and the Waves with their song Love Shine A Light, tweeted: “Practically hysterical over the announcement that the UK could host!”

Downing Street welcomed the possibility of the UK hosting Eurovision if Ukraine cannot, pledging to ensure it would “overwhelmingly reflect Ukraine’s rich culture, heritage and creativity”.

“Ukraine’s victory… was richly deserved and as the rightful winner the government’s firm wish has been to see next year’s contest hosted there,” said a government spokesperson.

“If the EBU decides the competition can’t go ahead in Ukraine, we would of course welcome the opportunity to work closely with Ukraine and the BBC to host it here in the UK.”

They added the government was also committed to “building on the ongoing partnership between our two countries”.

Asked if the government would help the BBC with the costs, the spokesman said “we’re slightly getting ahead of ourselves in terms of the process”.

Image source, EBU Image caption,

Norway’s Give That Wolf A Banana were an eye-catching act at this year’s contest

Which city might host Eurovision 2023?

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she wished Eurovision could be in Ukraine, but “understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible”.

“However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!” she added, apparently suggesting the 14,300-capacity riverside OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow as a possible venue.

Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, also threw the city’s hat in the ring, saying: “Hello @bbceurovision this is Manchester calling.

“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.”

Leeds had hoped to be European Capital of Culture in 2023, before Brexit prevented UK cities from entering that contest. The city is ploughing on with staging a year of culture anyway, and Leeds City Council said having Eurovision in the city “could not come at a better time”.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted that the UK capital “would welcome Eurovision with open arms”, adding: “We’re ready to step up and support Ukraine by hosting a contest that pays tribute to and honours the Ukrainian people, and also celebrates the very best of Britain too.”

Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff West, suggested: “Clearly Eurovision should be held at the Principality Stadium (roof closed) Cardiff with 70,000 partygoers – no brainer.”

Liverpool City Council also offered to take on the show, saying the city already has a musical reputation around the world.

If the UK is confirmed as the host country, cities would have to prove they have the right facilities and go through a bidding process.