Nicola Sturgeon ‘gutted for Glasgow’ after Liverpool is named Eurovision 2023 UK host city
Glasgow #Glasgow
Nicola Sturgeon has shared how ‘gutted’ she is for Glasgow that the Scottish city has missed out on hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, while also offering her congratulations to the chosen city.
On Friday’s The One Show, Eurovision commentator Graham Norton made the grand announcement, revealing on the programme that not only had Liverpool been successful in its bid to host next year’s event, but the date of the final had also been confirmed.
While those rooting for Liverpool celebrated the development, the Scottish First Minister shared her commiserations for Glasgow on Twitter.
‘Congratulations, Liverpool. Gutted for Glasgow, but no doubt you’ll do @Eurovision and Ukraine proud,’ she wrote.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said in a statement: ‘Naturally, we are disappointed not to have been selected, but we are very proud to have made it to the final two cities and we wish Liverpool every success as they prepare to host Eurovision 2023.
‘Glasgow remains a firm supporter of Ukraine and we look forward to watching Liverpool deliver a celebration of Ukrainian culture.’
Strictly Come Dancing and Loose Women star Kaye Adams had been in Glasgow alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Lawrence Chaney in the hope that the city would win the honour to welcome Eurovision next year.
Following the news, Lawrence posted a tweet with a meme of a YouTube video with the title: ‘Well it’s over.’
Meanwhile Susan Aitken, the leader of the Glasgow City Council, wrote on Twitter: ‘Massive congratulations to Liverpool, a great city. Now gie it laldy for Ukraine.
‘Am so proud of our Glasgow team who put together a brilliant bid to get to the final two. We’ll be cheering Liverpool on for a successful #Eurovision with the Ukrainian people at its ❤️🇺🇦.’
Kalush Orchestra, who won Eurovision 2022 for Ukraine, said they were ‘very pleased’ over the result of the BBC’s decision.
‘Though we haven’t had the privilege of visiting yet, the musical heritage of the city is known all over the world. Playing in the same place that The Beatles started out will be a moment we’ll never forget!’ the group said.
‘Although we are sad that next year’s competition cannot take place in our homeland, we know that the people of Liverpool will be warm hosts and the organisers will be able to add a real Ukrainian flavour to Eurovision 2023 in this city.’
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