The Eurovision 2023 excitement is literally underway. We are eagerly awaiting the host city announcement. Here’s a closer look at the cities in play to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

On the 12th of August 2022, BBC and EBU announced the shortlist of possible host cities for Eurovision 2023. Seven major cities in the United Kingdom were selected as potential host city of the 2023 edition of the most popular TV show of Europe.

Let us get to know the potential host cities that are ready to welcome artists, delegations, press and fans from all over the world, and which arenas could be eligible to organize this huge stage event.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a major city in Scotland. It’s known as the 27th crowdest city in Europe. The city has three international airports within 45 minutes drive to the city center: Glasgow Airport (GLA), which is located 13 km. west of the city center, Glasgow Pretswick Airport (PIK) located 50 km. southwest in Ayshire, and Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in Edinburgh which is located 55 km. east.

The largest entertainment venue in Scotland is located in Glasgow which is The OVO Hydro. The arena, where the 2014 MTV Music Awards Ceremony was held, is located adjacent to the SEC Centre and the SEC Armadillo and known to be hosting international atrists, global entertainment and sporting events; with a maximum capacity of 14,300. The OVO Hydro was also used for exterior shots of the venue for the fictional 2020 Eurovision Song Contest in the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

Manchester

Manchaster is a city located at the North – Western part of the United Kingdom. It’s the 6th crowdest city of the United Kingdom with a population of 541,417. It’s considered as the center of North Western Britain, and to be the industry capital of North – Western Britain along with Liverpool. Manchester United football team is one of the key factors that makes the city known internationally.

The largest venue in Manchaster is the Manchaster Arena with its 21.000 people capacity. The arena is considrered to be one of the largest venues in the UK which has already hosted artists like Beyoncé, Spice Girls, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Led Zeppelin and Kylie Minogue.

Liverpool

Liverpool, the city of Beatles is another city shortlisted by the BBC and the EBU to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year. Another trademark of the city is its football team Liverpool FC. The city is located at 283 km. North – West of the capital London and East of river Mersey. International Liverpool John Lennon Airport welcomes direct flights from many cities accross Europe.

M&S Bank Arena, located in the city center, is the main arena in Liverpool. It has a capacity of 11,000 people.

Birmingham

Birmingham is the second largest city of United Kingdom located in the countryside of East Midlands,160 km. from capital London. Birmingham is a major commercial and culture center. International Birmingham Airport is located 9,7 km east of the city center. The world famous groups Electric Light Orchestra and The Moody Blues are from Birmingham.

The Resorts World Arena is a major multipurpose indoor arena located in Solihull England and has a capacity of 15,685 people. The venue was opened with a Queen concert in December 1980.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a city upon river Tyne and located at the North East side of Britain. The city has an international airport with direct flights to and from major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam and Prag. It is one of the cheapest cities in United Kingdom. The city is connected to London, Manchaster, Liverpool, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Leeds and York with a railway system. The city is known to be a culture and entertainment center.

Utilita Arena Newcastle has a capacity of 11,000 people for concerts located on the South- Western edge of the city center. Many famous artists and groups like Janet Jackson, Pavarotti, Linkin Park, Diana Ross, Cher, One Direction and Iron Maiden gave concerts in this arena.

Leeds

Leeds is a city located at West Yorkshire, in the valley of the river Aire which is the fourth largest urban area in United Kingdom. Leeds Bradford International Airport which has direct flights from an to 70 international destinations is located in Yeadon and is 13km. North – West of the city center. Pink Floyd’s second single named See Emily Play was written in Leeds after their concert in 1967, which took place at the Leeds City College Technology Campus.

First Direct Arena is the major venue in Leeds with a capacity of 13,781 people. The arena hosted stars and groups like Bruce Springsteen, Depeche Mode and Andrea Bocelli.

Sheffield

Sheffield is a city with the largest settlement in South Yorkshire. The city’s 61% area is green area. Sheffield is currently the third most crowded city of England. The city’s football team Sheffield FC is the World’s oldest football team. Doncaster Sheffield Airport is the closest airport to the city center with 29 km. The city has been a home for groups and artists like The Human League, ABC and Thompson Twins.

Utilita Arena Sheffield is located near Meadowhall, between Sheffield and Rotherham City Centers. The arena serves big sports events and concerts since 1991. It has a concert capacity of 13,600 people. Arctic Monkey and One Direction has given huge concerts in the hall. The arene also hosted Disney On Ice and various stand up shows from Russell Brand, Lee Evans, Jack Whitehall, Eddie Izzard and Peter Kay.