Glasgow and Aberdeen among cities pitching to host Eurovision 2023

Glasgow and Aberdeen are among the cities pitching to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, said it is currently in talks with the BBC about hosting the 2023 competition in the UK.

The Ukrainian entry of Kalush Orchestra won the competition in Turin, Italy this year and it is traditional that the winning country hosts the event the following year.

But the EBU has concluded the war-torn country will be unable to do so.

We wish @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!! @scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others https://t.co/74YzxlWgWh

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 17, 2022

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has voiced her support for Glasgow to host next year’s contest.

She said on Twitter: “We wish @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!! @scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others.”

In a second tweet, Ms Sturgeon added: “Indeed there may be several possible venues in Scotland – let’s discuss!!”

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken tweeted: “It’s obviously a complete no-brainer which city should now host Eurovision 2023. Glasgow stands ready to welcome all Eurovision fans to their true spiritual home. We are mentioned in an ABBA song after all. It’s meant to be.”

I've submitted a motion to parliament and an application for debate, calling for Glasgow to be the host city for #Eurovision 2023. The city is the perfect place to welcome the world to and honour the spirit of Ukraine – the 2022 winner. Let's do it for Ukraine and for Glasgow! pic.twitter.com/PSTQTMLgHk

— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) June 17, 2022

The OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow is rumoured to be a favourite location to host the contest for the UK.

It has held the contest before – albeit in the fictional Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdam.

In the movie, the 14,000 capacity venue is actually billed as being in host city Edinburgh.

MSPs and MPs from the Aberdeen area also threw the Granite City’s hat into the ring.

SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, Kevin Stewart, described his city as “the place to be”.

“Our city would be immense Eurovision hosts,” he added.

Bring Eurovision to Aberdeen!

Also, hashtag suggestions welcome. Best so far probably #EuROWIEvision pic.twitter.com/zvR1ZIjUz1

— Kirsty Blackman (@KirstySNP) June 17, 2022

Edinburgh is the only Scottish city to have hosted Eurovision, having the honour in 1972.

If the UK does host the contest in 2023, it would be the ninth time it has taken place here – more than any other country.

In a statement posted online, the EBU thanked the Ukrainian broadcasters UA:PBC for its “wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios” but shared its “sadness and disappointment” that the contest cannot be held in the war-torn country.

“The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians,” it said.

“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.

“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.”

Downing Street welcomed the possibility of the UK hosting Eurovision if Ukraine cannot.

A No 10 spokesman said: “Ukraine’s victory in the Eurovision song contest was richly deserved and as the rightful winner the Government’s firm wish has been to see next year’s contest hosted there.

“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.

“But we would be committed to ensuring it overwhelmingly reflects Ukraine’s rich culture, heritage and creativity, as well as 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”.