Glasgow shortlisted to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023

It was revealed by the BBC this morning during The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.

The city was shortlisted alongside Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Scott Mills joined Zoe Ball on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show to announce the news.

As many as 20 cities sent in "expressions of interest" to host the event across the four countries of the UK.

Scotland hosted Eurovision before, in Edinburgh in 1972. 

READ MORE: Eurovision expert makes prediction on host city after Glasgow shortlisted

This edition of the song contest will be in support of Ukraine, after the country was declared unable to host due to the ongoing Russian invasion, following Kalush Orchestra's win.

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “We’re delighted to progress to the next stage of the process.

"Delivering such a unique event in such a short timescale presents a challenge, but Glasgow has an unrivalled track-record for successfully hosting major global events and we’re confident we can present a Eurovision that reflects a true celebration of Ukrainian culture. 

“As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music – a title we share with Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv – Glasgow offers one of the most immersive live music experiences in the world and international visitors regularly cite our enviable music credentials as a reason for coming here.

"Add to that our OVO Hydro, which is consistently ranked in the world’s top five entertainment arenas, and our famously warm Glaswegian welcome, and we tick all the boxes for hosting a show that the Eurovision community, and the world, will long remember.” 

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Richard Muir, deputy chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “As our track record proves, Glasgow is well positioned for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.

With an impressive and diverse portfolio of international conferences, major sporting events and fantastic cultural celebrations, the city consistently reinforces its status as a world-class event city.

"The legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games lives on and we are soon to host the largest cycling event ever held, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, while COP26 showcased the ability to welcome an incredible number of delegates from across the globe.

“The business of winning, staging and capitalising on international events is hugely important to Glasgow in so many ways.

"It will take on an even more significant role post pandemic as we compete with other cities and reinforce our credentials as a world class destination to live, work and visit."

Richard Muir, deputy chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

Commenting on the shortlist, Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss said: “It would have been such a special moment to see Ukraine hosting Eurovision next year. But under the current circumstances, this is sadly not possible.

“It is such a proud moment to once again see Glasgow listed as a potential host of an international event.

“I think Glasgow has shown itself to be the number one choice to host next year’s Eurovision.

"It's a unique city full of life and culture, and I can see plenty of reasons why the banks of the Clyde would be the ideal location to step in for Ukraine and host the contest.

“COP26 and the 2014 Commonwealth Games brought the world to Glasgow and the city was recognised for the success of these events.

“With Glasgow’s location, experience and facilities combined, it forms the perfect place to host Eurovision next year.”

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central

How will the host city be chosen from the shortlist?

The final decision will be determined by which city scores highest against a criteria assessed by the BBC.

These include having a suitable venue and sufficient space to host the contest, the financial commitment it is able to make and the strength of its cultural offering both on and off screen.

For the 2022 event in Turin, Italy, the criteria included the host city being able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators as well as a press centre at its venue, and also having an international airport and “ample” hotel accommodation.

Who decides the winner?

A joint decision will be made between the BBC as the UK’s state broadcaster and the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the event.

Which city is currently the favourite?

Bookmakers Ladbrokes has Glasgow as the frontrunner with odds of 11/8.

Birmingham is close behind with odds of 2/1, while Liverpool places third with odds of 5/1.

Sheffield currently lags in last place with odds of 33/1.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Nicola Sturgeon’s Eurovision wish might well come true, and at this point it looks like the only thing standing in hers and Glasgow’s way would be the Brummies, with the odds suggesting a two-horse race is on the cards.”

When will the final decision be announced?

No date has been set but the EBU has said the announcement will take place in autumn.

The contest usually takes place in May.