Liverpool to host Eurovision Song Contest in 2023

UK to hold annual music competition due to Russian invasion of Ukraine

The BBC has announced that Liverpool will be the host of 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. PA.
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Liverpool has been confirmed as the host of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

The international music show is being held in the UK after original host Ukraine was deemed unsuitable because of the Russian invasion.

The city was pitted against Glasgow in the final run-off after a list of 20 candidates was whittled down by the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the annual event.

The announcement was made by Graham Norton, who hosts the BBC’s coverage, on The One Show on Friday evening.

The final two cities battling it out were revealed last month following a seven-strong shortlist that included Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester.

Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the EBU later concluded the show could not be safely held in the war-torn country.

It was decided the UK would host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, as Sam Ryder came second in the competition.

Applicant cities were asked to demonstrate how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities if they were to host on behalf of Ukraine.

This will be the ninth time the UK will have hosted the competition, more than any other country.

Updated: October 07, 2022, 7:11 PM