News / Eurovision Song Contest 2023
Bristol’s bid to host Eurovision 2023
The vibrant backdrop of Pride Day was used by the mayor of Bristol to make a big announcement.
Marvin Rees appeared on screen just before headliner Carly Rae Jepsen took to the main stage on the Downs to reveal the city is bidding to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the site of the new YTL Arena in Filton.
Organisers have decided the event can’t be hosted in last year’s winning country, Ukraine, as per tradition, so have turned to the UK – which bucked its usual losing trend by coming in second.
is needed now More than ever
And Bristol is throwing its hat into the ring to host the annual international celebration of song, dance routines and outrageous costumes.
Making the announcement to the Pride audience via video, the mayor even threw in a cheesy pun, referencing UK singer’s Sam Ryder’s runner-up song, Space Man, in keeping with the spirit of Eurovision.
“I’m excited to talk about another opportunity for Bristol to come together again,” said Rees.
“As a global and diverse City of Sanctuary, Bristol can be the caretaker of of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“We are working in partnership with YTL Arena on a bid to bring Eurovision to the Brabazon Hangars. Bristol has the perfect site where we can custom build the perfect Eurovision song contest.
“We’ve got the space. Man. You see what I’ve done there?
“Bristol’s ready with a really strong bid and we need you to help us bring this home – tell the world how much you want Bristol to be the next home of Eurovision using the hashtag #bristolcalling.”
The YTL Arena is not due to open until 2024 but music events have been hosted on the former Filton Airfield site, including a Massive Attack homecoming gig in 2019 and, most recently, a secret Queen concert inside the historic Brabazon Hangars.
The decision not to host Eurovision 2023 in Ukraine because organisers say it would not be possible to provide the security and operational guarantees required has reportedly angered the country’s government.
Other UK cities will also be putting in bids to host the contest, with the Principality Stadium in neighbouring Cardiff also reportedly keen to clinch the Eurovision deal.
Main photo: Robin Connelly
Read more: Pride parade returns to streets of Bristol
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