As you’ve probably heard, Eurovision is coming to the UK next year – and now just two cities are in the running to host it: Glasgow or Liverpool.
After this year’s Eurovision was won by Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra, judges decided the war-torn country would not be able to host it, opting for runner-up the UK to take the reins instead
Twenty hopeful cities had tried their luck initially, before this was narrowed down to a shortlist of seven and now two, with the final decision to be made in upcoming weeks.
Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield threw their hat in the ring but two riverside arena venues in Liverpool and Glasgow have won out.
The original seven shortlisted cities were scored on a number of criteria by the BBC (which will be broadcasting the show) and Eurovision officials:
- Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the 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
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