Liverpool to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023

8 October 2022, 10:09 | Updated: 24 October 2022, 12:08

Sam Ryder at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 — The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the UK next year. Picture: MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images

After it was confirmed that Eurovision 2023 will take place in the UK on behalf of Ukraine, two cities have been shortlisted to take on hosting duties.

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In July it was confirmed that the United Kingdom would be hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) previously revealed they were in talks with this year's runner ups about staging the event, due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Sam Ryder came second to Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra in this year's contest, so the UK will now host the international event, vowing to make sure it's a "true reflection" of Ukrainian culture as well as showcasing British talent.

So which UK city is hosting Eurovision 2023? Find out everything you need to know here.

Which UK city is hosting Eurovision 2023?

It has been announced Liverpool will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. They were whittled down from seven shortlisted cities, which included Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

When is Eurovision 2023?

The Eurovision 2023 final takes place on 14th May 2023.

Who won Eurovision 2022?

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won Eurovision 2022, with the UK's Sam Ryder as a runner up.

Why is Eurovision in Liverpool?

Eurovision takes place in Liverpool and in the UK for the first time in 25 as the Ukraine is unable to host the contest due to the Russian invasion of the country. Since the UK's Sam Ryder was a runner up last year to Kalush Orchestra, the competition will be held here. Liverpool was one of the UK 20 cities to offer itself to host the Eurovision, beating out stiff competition Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle,Sheffield and Glasgow, which made it down to the final two.

Earlier this year, the EBU confirmed the UK would be hosting the contest in 2023, with a statement from BBC director general Tim Davie, which read: "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."