Cities shortlisted to host the next Eurovision Song Contest have until 8th September to submit their bids to the BBC, according to a quote from the Assistant Mayor of Liverpool yesterday.

Two weeks ago, the cities that could host next year’s Contest were announced on BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio 2 by DJs Scott Mills and Zoe Ball. After several registered interest, the seven remaining in the race are: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

The UK will host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in a joint initiative between the BBC and Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC, after Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra romped to victory in Turin with Stefania, but the EBU ruled that the 2023 Contest could not be held in Ukraine due to the ongoing war. The UK finished second with Sam Ryder and Space Man.

As a result, in addition to the usual criteria required in a bid submission, such as proximity to an international airport, a 10,000+ capacity venue with permanent roof and sufficient hotel capacity for upwards of 50,000 fans and travelling personnel, the 2023 hopefuls will have to prove they can include Ukrainian cultural elements and diasporas in their hosting. For example, Sheffield is submitting its bid on the basis of its large Ukrainian community, brought about from a twinning with Donetsk, which has similar heritage in steel production and mining.

After all bids are submitted, the host city decision is expected, according to a BBC spokesperson, in the “early autumn”.

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