Eurovision: Liverpool chosen to host the 2023 edition of the European contest

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Published on October 9, 2022 at 09:54 a.m.
The news upsets once again the organization of the European song contest: in 2023, Eurovision can not be organized in Ukraine, because of the war. The contest is relocated to the United Kingdom, and more precisely to Liverpool.

Last May, the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra triumphed in Turin, on theEurovision stage. As usual, the next edition of the European song contest should have taken place in Ukraine. It was even the wish of President Zelensky, who greeted the victory of his compatriots by promising that " Next year, Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in its history. And, I believe, not the last. We will do our best to welcome the participants and guests of Eurovision in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.Free, peaceful, rebuilt! "

However, this wish will not be able to come true. Because of the armed conflict that still opposes Russia and Ukraine, the contest is relocated to the United Kingdom, which ranked second in the 2022 edition of Eurovision.

This Monday, July 25, the British government announced that, after deliberations with theEuropean Broadcasting Union (EBU), the next edition of Eurovision would be held in British territory. The organizer of the contest considered that the security conditions were not sufficient in Ukraine to host such an important event.

The United Kingdom, which volunteered to host the singing contest, assures that Ukraine will always be in the spotlight. " This Eurovision is Ukraine's, and it is a real privilege and honor for the UK to support our friends. I am sorry that because of the bloodshed still caused by Russia, it was not possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should take place, "said Nadine Dorries, British Minister of Culture, in a statement.

Ukraine had strongly protested against this relocation, decided by the EBU. The British government had also expressed its doubts about depriving the Ukrainians of this symbol of victory. However, an agreement was reached, and the BBC, organizer of Eurovision in the United Kingdom, committed to honor " the culture and heritage of Ukraine. Ukraine is also automatically qualified for the final of the 2023 edition.

Liverpool 2023

After a long selection process of several months, the host city of the competition has finally been designated. On Friday evening, October 7, the official website of Eurovision revealed the name of the city chosen to host the 67th edition of the European song contest. It is therefore in Liverpool that the next edition ofEurovision must take place.

The EBU said that the choice was difficult, but that Liverpool finally won against Glasgow. " Liverpool is the ideal place to host the 67th edition of the Eurovision contest on behalf of Ukraine. The city is synonymous with music, and the Liverpool Arena more than meets all the requirements for staging such a huge event. We have been very impressed by the passion the city has shown for the contest and its inclusive ideas to put Ukraine in the spotlight when the fans arrive next May," said Martin Österdahl, Eurovision Executive Supervisor.

Mykola Chernotytskyi, director of management of the public broadcaster in Ukraine, applauds this choice, pointing out that Liverpool is a sister city to Odessa.

The city of Liverpool and the BBC, organizers of the contest, have therefore promised a very special show, in honor of Ukraine, but also to highlight the "world capital of pop". The Eurovision final is scheduled to take place on May 13, 2023.

The last British Eurovision dates from 1998, and was held in Birmingham.

Eurovision 2024Eurovision 2024Eurovision 2024Eurovision 2024 Eurovision 2024: Switzerland wins the contest, France finishes 4th, complete standings
Eurovision made its return this Saturday, May 11, 2024, at a grand final held in Malmö, Sweden. Ranked among the favorites from the outset, Switzerland won the 68th edition of the song contest, thanks to its representative Nemo and his song "The Code". France came 4th in the competition. Check out the full rankings now! [Read more]


Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 13, 2023

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