Eurovision Song Contest 2023: United Kingdom
After the victory of Kalush Orchestra in Turin, Ukraine should traditionally host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. But due to Russia's invasion of the country, the contest can not be held in Ukraine. Instead, the BBC will host Eurovision 2023 in the United Kingdom
We will update this page with all the information about Eurovision 2023 as it appears.
Where will Eurovision 2023 be held?
The winning country traditionally hosts the following year's contest, with some exceptions since 1958.
After the victory of Kalush Orchestra in Turin, it was unsure if the contest could take place in Ukraine in May 2023 due to Russia's invasion of the country.
Just a month after Eurovision 2022 was held, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) released a statement: Eurovision 2023 will not be held in Ukraine.
Instead, the EBU started discussions with the United Kingdom to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023, and on 25 July it was confirmed: Eurovision 2023 will be held in the United Kingdom.
The host city of Eurovision 2023 has not been revealed yet, but some of the most possible cities are Glasgow, London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Read more: Which UK cities have what it takes to host?
FAQ: HOST CITY BIDDING
The BBC has published an FAQ about the host city bidding
How do you apply to be a Host City?
– Any local authority interested in becoming a Host City can email esc.hostcity@bbc.co.uk
Does it cost to enter a bid?
– There is no charge to enter a bid. It is up to Cities whether they incur costs to support their bid.
Who decides who will be the Host City?
– The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be determined by the BBC and the EBU.
How does the process work?
– It is a two-stage process and to be considered, any potential candidates must meet a set of minimum standards that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.
What are the key requirements?
– The final decision on selecting the Host City will be based on a city or region’s capacity and capability in meeting the BBC’s and the EBU’s requirements, as well as availability of resources and general experience in hosting a large and complex event such as the Eurovision Song Contest.
– For example, 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.
Will there be different rounds?
– There will be two rounds. Once we have received applications, we will shortlist cities based on their ability to meet the requirements and their responses around capability and experience.
Will the government have a say on who hosts it?
– We may consult with the UK government but the decision on who will be the Host City will be determined by the BBC and the EBU.
When will you announce the Host City?
– We expect the process to be complete in Autumn and we will announce the successful Host City then.
When is Eurovision 2023?
Eurovision 2023 will be held in May. The dates have not been announced yet.
The Eurovision week will have three shows: Semi-final 1 on Tuesday, Semi-final 2 on Thursday and the Grand Final on Saturday.
The possible dates for Eurovision 2023 are:
| Semi-final 1 Tuesday | Semi-final 2 Thursday | Grand Final Saturday | |
| 25 April | 27 April | 29 April | |
| 2 May | 4 May | 6 May | |
| 9 May | 11 May | 13 May | |
| 16 May | 18 May | 20 May | |
| 23 May | 25 May | 27 May |
Participants
26 countries have expressed their interest for participation in the contest, which is subject to change:
EBU Member Broadcasters, on behalf of their countries, have until mid-October 2022 to formally submit their applications to take part in Eurovision 2023.
Tickets
Tickets usually go on sale in November/December the year before, so we expect the tickets for Eurovision 2023 to be released late 2022. Read more: How to get tickets for Eurovision 2023
Eurovision Village
Eurovision Village is the official festival area during Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
In Eurovision Village you can see live performances by artists, DJs, special events and public viewing of the shows broadcast from the Arena.
EuroClub
The EuroClub is the venue for some special parties, the official after parties and performances by participants.
EuroCafe
EuroCafe (also known as Euro Fan Café) is the place for fans to meet for parties and special events during the Eurovision week. EuroCafe is organized by the OGAE fan clubs.
