Eurovision 2023 shortlist announced with 7 UK cities in the running to host contest

The BBC has officially announced the seven UK cities shortlisted to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

The seven shortlisted cites were announced on BBC Radio 2 and BBC One on Friday morning (12 August), with Eurovision boss Martin Österdahl tuning in for a “good to go”.

They are: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Dubbed the Sensational Seven, they beat out 20 bids from Bristol, Aberdeen, Darlington, Edinburgh and more.

Introducing the Sensational Seven! 🤩

One of these cities will host #Eurovision 2023!

🧑‍💻 Find out more right here: https://t.co/xQJO6meK1W pic.twitter.com/wVsmy3cDUh

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) August 12, 2022

The Eurovision 2023 shortlist was chosen for cities’ capability, capacity and experience to host the contest, which last took place in the UK almost 25 years ago in Birmingham.

As the UK is hosting on behalf of the 2022 winners Ukraine, another key requirement from the host city is to show “how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities to mark the fact that Ukraine are the winners.”

Speaking on BBC Breakfast Liverpool mayor Joanna Anderson said: “We’re really good at throwing a party, we’re massive campaigners for social justice, we’ll work with our Ukranian friends and partners to give them the best party ever.”

Manchester City councillor and leader Bev Craig said: “We have a large and proud Ukranian community in Manchester. It would be our privilege to host this iconic celebration on their behalf.”

“Our city knows how to put on an amazing show and, with Ukrainian people firmly at the heart of any plans,” Sheffield City Council tweeted.

Meanwhile, Glasgow have put the case forward that as a “UNESCO City of Music” they have “all the right ingredients to deliver a Eurovision the world will remember.”

The seven cities will now go through to the next stage of selection which will consider their financial commitment, passion, and the strength of their local culture. The final chosen city will be announced in autumn.

So, it’s time for the cities to prove why the infamous singing competition should be held at their doorstep – who will win?