Seven cities make Eurovision 2023 shortlist

Seven UK cities are in the running to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The shortlist features Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

According to the BBC, 20 cities expressed an interest in hosting the event next May – the first in the UK since 1998 – including London and Belfast, neither of which made the shortlist.

The UK is hosting Eurovision 2023 after it was decided last year’s winners, Ukraine, would be unable to stage the event due to Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the UK is “determined to deliver a competition which reflects Ukraine’s rich culture and creativity”.

“I wish all the bidding cities the best of success and know no matter which one is chosen it will be a fantastic event to make both the UK and Ukraine proud."

The winning city will be chosen by the BBC and Eurovision organisers, after each shortlisted city is scored against a set of criteria that will measure each potential host's suitability of venues, cultural offer, financial viability and “alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities”.

The host city is expected to be announced in autumn.