Eurovision 2023: Manchester named on Eurovision cities shortlist - what happens next and how to get tickets

The shortlist is in - and Manchester will know if they will be hosting Eurovision 2023 later this year
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The shortlist for the Eurovision 2023 host city has been drawn up, and Manchester is joined by six other UK cities hopeful of being successful.

The initial joy of being named on the list will now turn to questions of what happens now in terms of the decision process.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The BBC have sent congratulations to the successful cities who have been named on the shortlist.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director 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.

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

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Manchester city council leader Bev Craig tweeted: “We are thrilled to have made it through to the next stage.

“We have a large and proud Ukrainian community in Manchester. It would be our privilege to host this iconic celebration.”

What is the next stage of the decision making process for Eurovision 2023 host city?

The selection process for the Host City takes place in two stages, with the first stage being the shortlist announcement which was made earlier today (12 August).

The seven cities will now go onto the second and final stage where they will be asked to develop their bids in more detail.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be decided by the BBC in conjunction with the EBU, and the successful city will be announced in the Autumn.

What criteria do candidate cities need to meet?

The final decision on the winning Host City will be determined by which city or region scores highest against an agreed evaluation criteria, assessed by the BBC.

These criteria are include:

  • Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest. 
  • The commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution.
  •  The strength of the cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music
  • Alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster, such as providing value to all audiences and supporting the creative economy in the UK.

How can I get tickets to Eurovision 2023?

Ticket prices and availability won’t be announced until a Host City and venue is confirmed.

That’s not all, the BBC will then need to work out how much space is needed for the production inside the chosen venue such as cameras and the stage. All that is dependent on the chosen venue and can’t be confirmed in advance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Once all that is decided, tickets for nine shows will go on sale:

  • Grand Final: Live TV Show [Saturday evening]; Jury Show [Friday evening]; Family Show [Saturday afternoon].
  • First Semi-Final: Live TV Show [Tuesday evening]; Jury Show [Monday evening]; Family Show [Tuesday afternoon].
  • Second Semi Final: Live TV Show [Thursday evening]; Jury Show [Wednesday evening]; Family Show [Thursday afternoon].

Which venue in Manchester would host Eurovision 2023?

If Manchester is successful, then the AO Arena - with its capacity of around 21,000 would be the host venue for Eurovision 2023.