Birmingham shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023 at Resorts World Arena

Following the spectacular Commonwealth Games, Birmingham has made the shortlist to host Eurovision 2023
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Big up Brum!

The city has made the shortlist to host the 2023 Eurovision Song contest - along with Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Resorts World Arena has been earmarked as the venue that would host the singing competition if Birmingham wins he overall bid.

Sam Ryder said his heart was ‘heavy’ knowing that Ukraine could not host Eurovision in 2023Sam Ryder said his heart was ‘heavy’ knowing that Ukraine could not host Eurovision in 2023
Sam Ryder said his heart was ‘heavy’ knowing that Ukraine could not host Eurovision in 2023
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The venue recently hosted the hugely successful Concert for Ukraine. Birmingham previously hosted the Eurovision Song contest in 1998 when Dana International from Israel.

The shortlist was announced on BBC Radio 2 this morning (Friday, August 12). Scott Mills joined Zoe Ball on the Breakfast Show to announce the news.

Dana International (middle) won for Israel in 1998. (Credit: Getty Images)Dana International (middle) won for Israel in 1998. (Credit: Getty Images)
Dana International (middle) won for Israel in 1998. (Credit: Getty Images)

After the Eurovision shortlist was announced, 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.

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“We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”

Music fans arrive for Concert for Ukraine at Resorts World ArenaMusic fans arrive for Concert for Ukraine at Resorts World Arena
Music fans arrive for Concert for Ukraine at Resorts World Arena

Reacting to news Birmingham was on the shortlist, city council leader Ian Ward said: “We are delighted to be one of the seven shortlisted cities.

“This is a city of sanctuary, a city who has welcomed people from around the world and made their home here. We would love the honour of hosting, on behalf of Ukraine, the Eurovision song contest next year.”

Neil Rami, Chief Executive, West Midlands Growth Company, , also congratulated Birmingham. WMCG operates the Meet Birmingham programme, and the Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau , which showcase the region’s strength as a host for events, conferences and exhibitions; and provide event organisers with a comprehensive range of planning and support services.

The Eurovision Song Contest at the NIA in Birmingham in 1998The Eurovision Song Contest at the NIA in Birmingham in 1998
The Eurovision Song Contest at the NIA in Birmingham in 1998
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Neil said:The announcement by the BBC and EBU to shortlist Birmingham to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year is another tremendous endorsement for the city and wider region’s reputation as a truly international major events destination.

“There was no better shop window than the 2022 Commonwealth Games to successfully demonstrate to the world our region’s friendliness, expertise and flexibility in welcoming large and complex events.

“The vibrancy, diversity and youthfulness displayed during that fantastic fortnight of sport and culture helped to put on an incredible show, and I’ve no doubt that we would deliver another memorable Eurovision, like in 1998, on behalf of Ukraine.”

We will bring you more updates throughout the day.

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