HUNDREDS of people, including the First Minister, are calling for Glasgow to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest after winner Ukraine has pulled out.
Following the statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which confirms that the Eastern European country will be unable to host next year's event, many have taken to social media to nominate Glasgow as host.
The @EBU_HQ has issued the statement below regarding the hosting of next year’s #Eurovision Song Contest.
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) June 17, 2022
Find it online here ➡️ https://t.co/mAxSdReBj3 pic.twitter.com/JYqy58eHqV
On Twitter, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was amongst the first ones to invite the international show to the OVO Hydro.
READ MORE: UK is asked to host Eurovision after Ukraine are ruled out
She said: "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 the banks of the River Clyde!!
"The Scottish Government is happy to discuss with the BBC, Glasgow City Council and EBU and others."
We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 17, 2022
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
Residents have also expressed their excitement online at the possibility.
One person said: "It’s so sad that Eurovision won’t be in Ukraine next year, but I’m also crying at the prospect of it being in Glasgow next year!"
Another added: "Yes it makes sense for Glasgow to be a strong candidate to host Eurovision for the UK."
A third person posted: "Glasgow is already set up for big events and its more secure.
"Plus there will be easier access for Ukrainians to get to and come together, just we play hosts.
"Ukrainian flags everywhere, charity events in the run-up, might not be home but deserve to celebrate their win, sorted!"
A fourth post read: "So excited about the potential for this - I’ve wanted to go my whole life and I think we should have Arielle Free hosting."
So excited about the potential for this - I’ve wanted to go my whole life .. and I think we should have @ariellefree hosting! 💖💖🤩🤩 #Eurovision #Glasgow pic.twitter.com/XJ9paalOEL
— Patrizia Roberto (@RobboHouston) June 17, 2022
READ MORE: Roads around Glasgow's Hampden 'utter chaos' as fans stuck in gridlocked traffic
Ukraine's representative, Kalush Orchestra, won with their song 'Stefania' as the continent came together to show solidarity for the nation after it had been invaded by Russia.
The UK's contestant, Sam Ryder, came second in the contest with his song 'Space Man'.
The OVO Hydro, which is being put forward as a venue, is the largest entertainment venue in Scotland with a maximum capacity of 14,300 and it currently has a mostly clear schedule in May when the competition is typically held.
In terms of finance, it is difficult to say how much hosting costs. Azerbaijan spent a reported £48 million on hosting the event in 2012 and Hungary withdrew from simply competing in the 2010 contest in part due to the global financial crisis.
It is not clear whether the BBC would have to pay for the contest from its current licence fee allocation or would be given further money.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel