Eurovision fans, it’s finally been confirmed: the UK will be hosting the 2023 song competition in…Liverpool.

The decision was made earlier this year that it wouldn’t be safe for next year’s event to be held in Ukraine, who won the 2022 contest. However, as the UK came second in this year’s competition, the BBC accepted the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)’s invitation to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom in 2023 on behalf of the Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC.

From a host of cities that included Birmingham and Glasgow, it was Liverpool that came out on top with the honour.

While it’s a sad reminder of the travesty that continues in Ukraine today following Russia’s invasion, the BBC has said that it will “create and deliver a unique Eurovision Song Contest that reflects Ukraine’s victory in Turin in May 2022 as well as showcasing the UK’s vibrant music scene”.  

As per the BBC’s statement: “The show will celebrate the culture and heritage of Ukraine as the winners of the 2022 Contest, alongside the Eurovision’s proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music.”

“We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us,” said Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA: PBC.

Liverpool’s mayor, Joanne Anderson, said the city “faced strong competition from Glasgow” but she was “over the moon”.

“This is a massive event and the eyes of the world will be on us in May, especially those of our friends in Ukraine,” she said. “Now begins months of work to put on the best party ever. Ukraine – you have my promise we will do you proud.”

Read on for answers to some of the most burning questions about Eurovision 2023.

Will I be able to get a ticket to Eurovision 2023?

Of course, now that we know Eurovision will be a lot closer to home, people are wondering just how and when they can nab tickets. According to the BBC, ticket sales should follow tradition – they usually go on sale a few months before the contest, once the specific venue is chosen.

When will Eurovision 2023 take place?

May 13 has been confirmed as the big day. Will you be tuning in?

Will Ukraine still be involved in Eurovision 2023?

Yes, they certainly will be. After winning this year’s competition with Kalush Orchestra’s Stefania, Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final (as is usual for the winner), along with the so-called Big Five, which includes the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

They will each go straight through to the final because of their financial contributions to the event. In terms of the event itself, Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop Ukrainian elements of the show.

Mr Chernotytskyi added that although the contest will not be held there, it will be “in support of Ukraine”.

“I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.” 

Is this the first time the UK has hosted Eurovision?

It isn’t. In fact, the UK has taken over hosting duties for other countries a total of four times: It hosted on behalf of the Netherlands in 1960, France in 1963, Monaco in 1972 and Luxembourg in 1974.

In total, the UK has hosted Eurovision eight times – more than any other country. The UK last hosted in 1998, from Birmingham. 

As for how 2023’s Eurovision Song Contest will shape up, we’ll be sure to update you as and when we know even more. Watch this space.

Images: Getty