Liverpool makes shortlist to host Eurovision

After twenty cities put bids in to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest, Liverpool has made it through to a shortlist, along with six other cities.

Th UK is holding the contest on behalf of reigning winners Ukraine, because of the ongoing war with Russia.

The full Eurovision 2023 shortlist is:

Birmingham

Glasgow

Leeds

Liverpool

Manchester

Newcastle

Sheffield

Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at this year's competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the event cannot be held in the war-torn country following Russia's invasion.

The UK was given the chance to host Eurovision for the ninth time, more than any other country, after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.

London was one of the 20 cities who submitted an "expression of interest" to host, with applicants demonstrating how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.

Kate Phillips, the BBC's director of unscripted content, said: "We would like to thank all of the cities and regions that submitted bids to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest. We have seven fantastic cities who we are taking through to the next round."

"Congratulations to Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield - it's exciting to see such a breadth of bids going through from across the UK.

"We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity."

The host city is expected to be announced by the autumn.

Check out the most watched Eurovision performances of all time:

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• Eurovision
• liverpool