Glasgow shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023

Glasgow has been named on a list with six other cities that are being considered to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine next year.

The competition is coming to the UK after organisers decided reigning champions Ukraine wouldn't be able to host it.

Glasgow is now the bookies favourite to host the competition, with Birmingham a close second.

If successful, it would mean the competition would take over the SEC Campus including the OVO Hydro, SEC and the Armadillo for 8 weeks next March and April.

Hundreds of thousands of Eurovision fans could descend on the city along with musicians and their teams from all across Europe.

'Unrivalled track record'

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken thinks Glasgow will do well showcasing its support for Ukraine.

Councillor Aitken 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.”

Eurovision 2023: Shortlist of host cities

Birmingham

Glasgow

Leeds

Liverpool

Manchester

Newcastle

Sheffield

It will be confirmed at a later date which city in the UK will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Scot Gov support for Glasgow

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Whilst it is very disappointing that Ukraine cannot host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, the Scottish Government is pleased that the UK has been selected as an alternative host country. Scottish Ministers were delighted to see so many Scottish local authorities submit bids, and congratulate Glasgow on being shortlisted to host next year’s contest.

“The Scottish Government will engage with Glasgow council as they develop their bid. Like people across the country, we look forward to seeing how plans for the contest unfold.

“Scotland stands with the rest of the UK, Europe and the world, in condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked, illegal invasion of Ukraine and will do all we can to stand up for democracy, human rights and the rule of law at home and abroad.”

The EBU's statement about the Eurovision Song Contest 2023

Earlier this year, the EBU released a statement to confirm the BBC were in talks to host the 2023 contest in the UK.

The statement read: 'Following their win at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May the EBU has been exploring options for the hosting of next year’s competition with Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC, who previously staged the event in 2017 and 2005.

'It has become a well-known tradition that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest hosts the competition the following year, providing certain criteria including ensuring the viability of staging the event and the safety of all stakeholders, including the public, are met.

'Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year’s winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues.

'The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most complex TV productions in the world with thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed.

'Following objective analysis, the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organize and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.

'The EBU would like to thank UA:PBC for their wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks since Kalush Orchestra’s win on 14 May in Turin and share their sadness and disappointment that next year’s Contest cannot be held in Ukraine.

'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.'

The statement went on to reveal the EBU were in discussions with the BBC, for the potential of the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the United Kingdom in 2023.

It goes on to say: '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.'

It was later confirmed on 25th July that the UK were to host the Eurovision Song Content 2023.

There is “massive Ukrainian support” for Glasgow

The Chairman of the Glasgow Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain says there is “massive Ukrainian support” for Glasgow to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year.

Dr Yevgen Gorash has lived in Scotland for eleven years after moving here for his dream job.

“Glasgow is such a cultural and vibrant city and I think of it as my home, I would be happy for Glasgow to host.”

For Dr Gorash, Glasgow is the epitome of welcoming and he believes this has had a significant impact on how any displaced Ukrainians have felt upon arriving here in Scotland.

“From the very first day I have felt very included, despite the cultural differences.

Even on the way from the airport to my accommodation I met so many people who went out of their way to help me with bus schedules and directions.

Even with the most basic things there was such a willingness to help.”

Yevgen, a lecturer in mechanical engineering at Strathclyde University, attended the World Cup play-off between Scotland and his native Ukraine at Hampden Park last year.

He told Bauer Media that the attitude of the Scottish fans gives him reassurance that hosting Eurovision here would be a success.

“Scottish fans were so friendly and welcoming during the match, even after Ukraine won. It really was the case that even if things go wrong, the human touch is more important in Glasgow.”

There is, he said, “friendship in the blood” of Glaswegians.

The thoughts of Dr Yevgen are echoed by University of Glasgow student Valerie Korolchuk who has lived in Glasgow since 2018.

“Of course there are some mixed emotions because there are so many beautiful cities in Ukraine, but in terms of the UK, I don’t think there’s a better place in Glasgow.”

Valerie, 22, moved to the UK with her family from Ukraine when she was seven and helped organise pro-Ukraine protests in Glasgow Square earlier this year.

The student’s grandmother and cousins are still in war-torn Ukraine, and the protests called for Glaswegians to stand in solidarity with those Ukrainians facing unprecedented circumstances.

“Glaswegians have shown themselves to be such friends to Ukraine, they’ve helped us so much.”

Some of her friends and family members have been able to come to Scotland through the Super Sponsor scheme and she says they have all been “blown away” by the friendliness of the Scottish people.

“In Glasgow there has been so much support from ordinary people.”

Yevgen agrees with Valerie and says despite the current economic difficulties, people are still willing to do everything they can.

He said: “There is such a desire to help, even from people who don’t have enough resources themselves. Scottish people want to help, which says a lot in itself”

Valerie would love to see Glasgow be “celebrated and appreciated” for what it has done.

“I think hosting Eurovision in Glasgow would be a great way for the city to get the recognition it deserves by celebrating a beautiful city with amazing people in it.”

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