The United Kingdom has been confirmed as the host country of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
The European Broadcasting Union and the BBC have confirmed the UK will act as a host for the 67th edition of the Contest, following Ukraine’s win with Kalush Orchestra’s Stephania this year.
Sam Ryder’s Space Man finished in second place and, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the path forward for the 2023 Contest has been confirmed.
We’re pleased to announce the 2023 @Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom by the @BBC 🇬🇧 on behalf of UA:PBC 🇺🇦
— EBU (@EBU_HQ) July 25, 2022
More on the plans for the 67th edition of the world’s largest live music event ➡️ https://t.co/n8XAbIlgeq#Eurovision #ESC2023 #UK #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/5dmb4iPsUX
A statement from BBC director general Tim Davie posted on Twitter reads: “It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.
“The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.
“The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.”
The BBC is the national broadcaster of the event in the UK.
Following Ukraine’s victory, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) undertook a “full assessment and feasibility study”, concluding “security and operational guarantees” required to host the event could not be fulfilled by UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster.
Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s executive supervisor, said: “We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.
“The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.”
Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final alongside the so-called Big Five: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
