Eurovision 2022: BBC set to give update on Eurovision host city shortlist

An update on the Eurovision Song Contest host city shortlist is expected later today, according to the BBC.

Glasgow, Birmingham Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester form the current shortlist of potential cities to host Eurovision in 2023 in place of Ukraine.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning, presenter Sally Nugent said: “This morning, listen very carefully to what I’m saying.

“Ahead of an expected update from our BBC entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson we’re going to be looking at the situation in Manchester.”

Glasgow remains in the running to host the Eurovision Song Contest after organisers confirmed the musical event would be staged in the UK next year due to the war in Ukraine.

After taking a look at how Manchester is hoping to secure the contest, Nugent, 51, said: “As we said earlier, later on today we are expecting an update from the BBC.”

She added: “As soon as we know, you will know.”

Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show cannot be held in the country following Russia’s invasion.

The selected city will be crowned host of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after the UK was given the chance to host the event for the ninth time – more than any other country – after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.

The shortlist was narrowed down from 20 UK cities who initially submitted an “expression of interest”, with applicants across all four regions demonstrating how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.

Of the seven cities shortlisted, six are in England and one is in Scotland, with Belfast failing to make the cut for Northern Ireland.

The cities have each been scored on a set of criteria, the BBC revealed. Requirements include “a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest”, necessary commitment to the contest including a financial contribution, and “alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster”.

It was revealed that Glasgow would need to cancel events next year to host Eurovision, it has been revealed.

Council leader Susan Aitken previously declared it was a “complete no-brainer” for Glasgow to host Eurovision, adding: “Glasgow stands ready to welcome all Eurovision fans to their true spiritual home. We are mentioned in an ABBA song, after all. It’s meant to be.”