Watch: The moment Birmingham is shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023

BirminghamWorld joined city leaders at the Council House as the Eurovision shortlist was revealed
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Another opportunity for Birmingham to host an international event as its bid to bring next year’s Eurovision song contest to the city has been recognised.

While the decision has not been finalised, Birmingham presents its case that it would be the ideal choice to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Guy Dunstan, Managing Director of Ticketing & Arenas, NEC Group, speaks about Birmingham being on the shortlist for hosting EurovisionGuy Dunstan, Managing Director of Ticketing & Arenas, NEC Group, speaks about Birmingham being on the shortlist for hosting Eurovision
Guy Dunstan, Managing Director of Ticketing & Arenas, NEC Group, speaks about Birmingham being on the shortlist for hosting Eurovision
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Guy Dunstan, Managing Director of Ticketing & Arenas, NEC Group, says: “I was absolutely delighted that Birmingham has been listed - shortlisted - as a host city for the Eurovision Song Contest.

“Clearly I was a little bit nervous as well, that sense of anticipation here and it being announcec on live on radio. But yeah, we’re really excited about the opportunity of potentially staging this event, particularly after the last two weeks where Birmingham has shown what a great city it is to host major events of the scale of the Commonwealth Games.

“And I’m really positive that if we can stage the Eurovision Song Contest, we can put on an amazing event for the Eurovision and also for the city of Birmingham.”

The moment Birmingham is shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023The moment Birmingham is shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023
The moment Birmingham is shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023

The other cities on the shortlist are Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield, and the BBC and EBU will now decide the ideal candidate.

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Birmingham presents a strong case, with its proven track record and strong reputation for hosting international events such as the Commonwealth Games, as well as previously hosting the song contest in 1998.

As it stands, Resorts World Arena is earmarked as the potential venue - which hosted the Concert for Ukraine earlier this year.

Ukraine were the winners of this year’s Eurovision, and while the UK may play physical host to the event in 2023, Ukrainians will be at the forefront of its theme and organisation. Birmingham is working with Centrala Space for their bid - it is the only publicly funded community-based art space in the UK, dedicated to promoting Central and Eastern European arts and culture

Gosia Weber, Operational Manager of Centrala, speaks about Birmingham potentially hosting EurovisionGosia Weber, Operational Manager of Centrala, speaks about Birmingham potentially hosting Eurovision
Gosia Weber, Operational Manager of Centrala, speaks about Birmingham potentially hosting Eurovision

Gosia Weber, Operational Manager of Centrala, says: “Birmingham is such a multicultural city itself and now with the influx of Ukrainian people as well. And I think we at Centrala - we work with Ukrainian people.

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“So it’s kind of we know how homeley they feel or want to fill in Birmingham. So I think it’s an amazing opportunity for us to basically welcome Ukrainian people and make them feel like, part of, you know, you are Brummy and we’re with you kind of thing. It’s a kind of city full of people who are just very warm and welcoming and like to have fun.”

Cllr. Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council speaks about Birmingham being on the shortlist to host EurovisionCllr. Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council speaks about Birmingham being on the shortlist to host Eurovision
Cllr. Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council speaks about Birmingham being on the shortlist to host Eurovision

Cllr. Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, says: “Well, just recently, the NEC put on a fundraising event for Ukraine. We have the largest population of Ukrainians outside of London here in Birmingham. We’re a city of sanctuary - we have welcomed 450 people since Putin began his illegal war to Birmingham. There’s another 200 on the way.

“So I think we are a city that can put on a real celebration of Ukraine, Ukrainian people and Ukrainian culture. I also think we have demonstrated through the Commonwealth Games that we can create a real vibe. We can draw 1000s of people into the city - into a fan park to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest and to really celebrate Ukraine and the people of Ukraine”

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