Eurovision: UK cities in the running to host as fans rally around Rylan to present

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UK cities have begun preparing their formal bids to become the hosts of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, while fans are desperately calling for Rylan Clark to host the BBC show.

On Monday (25 June), it was confirmed that the UK would host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine next year, due to safety concerns with country’s ongoing war with Russia.

Applications open this week for UK cities to bid to host the contest, and a long-list will be announced later this summer.

“As well as selling their vision for a fantastic contest, potential host cities are expected to demonstrate that they can meet a list of expectations,” the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, said.

“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.”

Eurovision organisers said representatives will work with the BBC, which will broadcast the show, to incorporate Ukrainian elements.

Every city mayor in the UK scrambling to put forward a bid to host Eurovision next year pic.twitter.com/ryXiT38edi

— D✨ (@betbinch) July 25, 2022

Several cities in England have already announced that they intend to submit formal bids, including London, Brighton, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, as well as Manchester, which has the largest Ukrainian community outside of the capital.

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Manchester will be bidding to host @Eurovision @bbceurovision

A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK’s largest Ukrainian populations- we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember.
More to follow https://t.co/oTnvQZfDXf

— Bev Craig (@bevcraig) July 25, 2022

Hosting Eurovision mid-way through the Leeds 2023 year of culture… you know it makes total sense!