UK to host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine

LONDON: Next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the United Kingdom. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed that the Contest would be held on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA: PBC.

The EBU had ruled out the possibility of Ukraine hosting the competition because of the ongoing war with Russia. The union said there was a substantial risk of a mass casualty incident if the event was held in Ukraine.

Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said the EBU was “exceptionally grateful” that the BBC had agreed to host the Eurovision Song Contest.

Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC, said: “The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.”

BBC Director General Tim Davie said that hosting the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.

“It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity,” he added.

The process of selecting the host city will begin this week and will be managed jointly by the BBC and the EBU. The city needs a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.