Eurovision: UK cities in the running to host as fans rally around Rylan to present
The UK’s Sam Ryder rose like a phoenix during the 2022 Eurovision. (Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli / WireImage )
UK cities have begun preparing their formal bids to become the hosts of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, while fans are desperately calling for Rylan Clark to host the BBC show.
On Monday (25 June), it was confirmed that the UK would host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine next year, due to safety concerns with country’s ongoing war with Russia.
Applications open this week for UK cities to bid to host the contest, and a long-list will be announced later this summer.
“As well as selling their vision for a fantastic contest, potential host cities are expected to demonstrate that they can meet a list of expectations,” the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, said.
“Last year, the EBU’s host city criteria was based on providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators (as well as a press centre), that should be within easy reach of an international airport and with ample hotel accommodation.”
Eurovision organisers said representatives will work with the BBC, which will broadcast the show, to incorporate Ukrainian elements.
Every city mayor in the UK scrambling to put forward a bid to host Eurovision next year https://t.co/ryXiT38edi
— David ✨ (@betbinch) July 25, 2022
Several cities in England have already announced that they intend to submit formal bids, including London, Brighton, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, as well as Manchester, which has the largest Ukrainian community outside of the capital.
Manchester will be bidding to host @Eurovision @bbceurovision
A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK’s largest Ukrainian populations- we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember.
More to follow https://t.co/oTnvQZfDXf— Bev Craig (@bevcraig) July 25, 2022
Hosting Eurovision mid-way through the Leeds 2023 year of culture… you know it makes total sense! 🥳#Eurovision2023 Here’s our statement on our intention to bid for those who missed it: https://t.co/aUCNzTSQ8V https://t.co/TwkaiONsq0— Leeds Council News (@LeedsCC_News) July 25, 2022
@EBU_HQ confirms UK will host #Eurovision2023
Brighton & Hove will pull out all the stops to be ‘next best’ host
We have the people, the sheer musical talent & a proud place on the global stage to make @Eurovision 2023 just as memorable & magnificent as 1974 @BrightonHoveCC pic.twitter.com/weRAzkZuGY— Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty (@Phelimmac) July 25, 2022
Liverpool, Sheffield & Glasgow are among the cities to put in bids to host the Eurovision song contest.
'We could fill every single part of this city with brilliant music'
Claire McColgan, Director of Culture Liverpool explains why the city would be a great place to host. pic.twitter.com/AtDsy45AVg
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 26, 2022
Several Scottish cities have also confirmed that they will bid to be host city.
While it was expected that Glasgow and Edinburgh would bid – Edinburgh’s twin city is Kyiv, and Glasgow City Council said on Monday in a statement that “Glaswegians are desperate to welcome the world with open arms” – Aberdeen, a much smaller city, is also planning on making an ambitious case.
“We have the city, the people and infrastructure to support international events such as this and it would provide a major boost to the Aberdeen and Scottish economies and raise the city’s profile with potential investors and visitors,” Aberdeen City Council said.
Eurovision fans are desperate for Rylan Clark to host the contest
While prospective UK host cities scramble to bid, fierce discussion has centred on who will present the televised BBC show.
Several suggestions have been circulating on social media, but many fans are “praying” for that person to be Rylan Clark, who has been co-commentating on Eurovision since 2018.
@Rylan had better be hosting @Eurovision and I’d better get tickets! #Eurovision2023— Ruthipegs 💙🦖🦕 (@Ruthless1984) July 25, 2022
So we all agree that @Rylan should host #Eurovision yes? pic.twitter.com/kR6zMISK6c— 𝕬𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖘𝖍𝖆 𝕯𝖆𝖜𝖓 (@AlieshaDawnxox) July 25, 2022
Never thought I’d get to see the U.K. host Eurovision! I’m praying it’s somewhere in the north. Please let @Rylan host— Emma 🇮🇹🇭🇷🇦🇲🇳🇱🇪🇪🇬🇧🇱🇹🇨🇭🇬🇷🇦🇹🇷🇸 (@emmaburnhope02) July 25, 2022
The top choice to join Rylan appears to be iconic This Morning presenter Alison Hammond.
https://twitter.com/MrsLaraBoyd/status/1551827858351427586
Rylan & Alison Hammond to host, surely? #Eurovision— SHG (@SamAychG) July 25, 2022
get rylan and alison hammond to host eurovision or don’t waste my time— three steaks pam (@alexandrakuri) July 25, 2022
As one Twitter user put it: “Get Rylan and Alison hammond to host Eurovision or don’t waste my time.”
