Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at this year’s competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided the event cannot be held in the war-torn country following Russia’s invasion.
The UK was given the chance to host Eurovision for the ninth time, more than any other country, after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.
London was one of the 20 cities who submitted an “expression of interest” to host, with applicants demonstrating how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.
The shortlist of host cities was announced on Friday.
The BBC, which broadcasts the contest in the UK, and the EBU made the shortlist selection based on the cities’ “capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity”.
The winner will need a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted content, said: “We would like to thank all of the cities and regions that submitted bids to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We have seven fantastic cities who we are taking through to the next round.”
“Congratulations to Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield – it’s exciting to see such a breadth of bids going through from across the UK.
“We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”
Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Eurovision grand final alongside the so-called big five nations – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain – who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.
On Friday, UK-based think tank and charity British Future called for Ukrainian refugees and their UK host families to be given “priority tickets” to Eurovision 2023.
The host city is expected to be announced by the autumn.
Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine pose for photographers after winning the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest
YARA NARDI
Sam Ryder arrives at Heathrow Airport after finishing second in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy
Dominic Lipinski
