UK confirmed as host of the Eurovision Song Contest next year

The UK will host next year’s Eurovision after the event’s organisers decided it could not be held in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.

As the second-place country at this year's event, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has opened talks with the BBC.  

Although it is not decided what city will host next year’s event, Nicola Sturgeon threw Glasgow’s name in the ring last month, calling the Ovo Hydro the “perfect” venue to host the singing contest.  

It is believed that along with Glasgow and Manchester, which had early calls made to be the host city, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham, Aberdeen, London, Brighton, Belfast and Cardiff could also be in the running.

The EBU require the venue to hold around 10,000 spectators, have sufficient nearby accommodation for 2,000 delegates, journalists and travelling spectators, and be close to an international airport.  

Last year, the UK had their strongest performance in 24 years as Sam Ryder came second to Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra.  

After winning the contest, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, insisted that his country would host the competition the following year.  

Following protest from Ukraine’s Culture Minister, Oleksandr Tkachenko, on the decision to have contest hosted away from the country, Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of the broadcaster, said in a statement: "The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.

"I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent."

The EBU shared their sympathy with Ukraine, saying it "fully understands the disappointment that greeted the announcement".