Eurovision 2023 WILL be held in the UK: Runner-up Britain is confirmed as next year’s host after bosses decided it is not safe enough to hold show in wartorn Ukraine
Britain will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year on behalf of Ukraine, organisers confirmed today after concluding that the war-torn country could not hold the event for ‘safety and security reasons’.
The Ukrainian entry, Kalush Orchestra, won the annual competition just over two months ago in Turin, Italy, on May 14 and it is traditional that the winning country hosts the event the following year.
But the European Broadcasting Union said it had concluded after a study that the ‘security and operational guarantees’ required to host the event could not be fulfilled by Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC.
The BBC, as national broadcaster of the UK, which was the runner-up this year with Sam Ryder’s Space Man, was then invited to act as host – and the corporation confirmed today that it would hold what will be the 67th contest.
The location in the UK is set to be chosen in the coming months, with a bidding process expected to be launched this week. Organisers said the date for the event will also be revealed ‘in due course’, as will the logo.
The Ukrainian entry, Kalush Orchestra, won the most recent Eurovision Song Contest in Turin on May 14
The UK has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other country, including in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977; Edinburgh in 1972; Brighton in 1974; Harrogate in 1982; and Birmingham in 1998.
Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final alongside the so-called ‘Big Five’ – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain – who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions.
UK has held Eurovision Song Contest eight times
The UK has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other country, in the following cities:
- 1960 – London (Royal Festival Hall)
- 1963 – London (BBC Television Centre)
- 1968 – London (Royal Albert Hall)
- 1972 – Edinburgh (Usher Hall)
- 1974 – Brighton (Brighton Dome)
- 1977 – London (Wembley Conference Centre)
- 1982 – Harrogate (Harrogate International Centre)
- 1998 – Birmingham (National Indoor Arena)
- 2023 – TBC
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would ‘put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends’, adding that in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week they ‘agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine’.
He continued: ‘As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly – and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends.’
Downing Street said it had been Boris Johnson’s ‘strong wish’ for Ukraine to host the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: ‘It’s deeply regrettable that a Ukraine-hosted Eurovision will not be possible.
‘But we are confident the BBC and UK will pull out all the stops to make sure it is an event that celebrates and honours the country, the people and the creativity of Ukraine.’
Asked if Britons should fly Ukraine flags to mark the event, the spokesman said: ‘Absolutely. As we saw, a number of countries and the people of the UK (were) supporting both our UK entry and the Ukrainian entry.
‘I’m sure the Prime Minister would encourage the public to get behind this opportunity to really demonstrate how the UK is supporting the people of Ukraine.’
Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s executive supervisor, said: ‘We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.
UK entry Sam Ryder came second with his song Space Man at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin on May 14
‘The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.
‘Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.’
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: ‘The Eurovision Song Contest unites people through the power of music and creativity.
‘Following a request from the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities, I’m delighted that the BBC has agreed to step in and host next year’s contest.
‘I’m just sorry that, due to Russia’s continued acts of bloodshed, it has not been possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should be.
‘As hosts, the UK will honour the competition’s spirit and diversity, and, most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraine’s recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity.’
Kalush Orchestra pose with the winner’s trophy and Ukraine’s flag after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in May
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC, said: ‘The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.
‘I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.’
And Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, added: ‘It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
‘Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.
‘The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.’
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