Eurovision 2023: UK will host Eurovision next year - here are the betting odds for it being held in Birmingham

The host city will be announced in the coming months
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The rumours are now official. The UK will be hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, and Birmingham is in the running to be host city.

The process of which city will get the accolade begins now, and Birmingham will be up against some stiff competition to host the competition for the first time in nearly 25 years.

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Here’s what we know about the Birmingham bid, including where the competition may be held.

Why is the UK hosting Eurovision 2023?

Members of the band "Kalush Orchestra" pose onstage with the winner's trophy and Ukraine's flags after winning on behalf of Ukraine the Eurovision Song contest 2022 Members of the band "Kalush Orchestra" pose onstage with the winner's trophy and Ukraine's flags after winning on behalf of Ukraine the Eurovision Song contest 2022
Members of the band "Kalush Orchestra" pose onstage with the winner's trophy and Ukraine's flags after winning on behalf of Ukraine the Eurovision Song contest 2022

The UK offered to host the 2023 competition after it was confirmed Ukraine, who won the 2022 competition, would be unable to host due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

Which cities are bidding for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest?

Informal bids have, according to Eurovision, already been made by representatives from Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Wolverhampton.

Which venues in Birmingham could host the Eurovision Song Contest?

Should Birmingham be successful, the venue hosting the contest must reach certain requirements.

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It must have space for 10,000 spectators and the city must also have enough hotel accommodation for 2,000 delegates, accredited journalists and for the spectators.

Venues in Birmingham which could fit these criteria are the Utilita Arena, Resorts World Arena, Villa Park, St Andrews, and the Hawthorns.

What have Eurovision said following confirmation that the UK will host the 2023 competition?

Martin Österdahl, who is the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor, said: “We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.”

He added: “The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.

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“Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.”

Have the BBC commented following the confirmation?

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, talked of the sadness over the fact that Ukraine would be unable to host the 2023 competition due to the Russian invasion.

He said: “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.

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“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.”

What are the odds of Birmingham hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest?

According to betting site William Hill, Birmingham is currently fourth favourites to be named as host city of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Manchester is at 6/4 in second, with Glasgow currently out in front with odds of 5 / 6.

London and Liverpool make up the top five, with Bristol and Leicester down as the longest odds of 50/1 each.

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