Liverpool chosen to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023

Graham Norton has revealed Liverpool will be hosting the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest saw Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra take home the crown with their song 'Stefania'. The group amassed 631 points with the United Kingdom's Sam Ryder following a close second with 466.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was adamant Ukraine would still be able to hold the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 despite the ongoing conflict occurring in the country.

However, in July, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and BBC confirmed the contest would be held in the UK on behalf of Ukraine.

In August, seven UK cities were shortlisted for hosting the event from a group of 20 who had 'express[ed] interest'.

The cities were: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Each host city was asked to showcase what they had to offer and eventually the group was whittled down to just two.

Liverpool and Glasgow made the final round and earlier today (Friday, 7 October) Ken Bruce revealed on Radio 2 the announcement would be made by Graham Norton on tonight's The One Show.

The final decision was made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as well as the BBC.

The host city had to fit four specific criteria outlined by the contest:

• Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Eurovision Song 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.

People have flooded to social media in response to the exciting news.

"Well done Liverpool, it's gonna be great. Sad it isn't Glasgow, but it's gonna be amazing!" one said.

Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of Scotland, wrote: "Congratulations, Liverpool. Gutted for Glasgow, but no doubt you’ll do @Eurovision and Ukraine proud."

A third commented: "Eurovision and a weekend in Liverpool! Could it get much better?!"

Norton also revealed the exact date 2023's Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place which is 13 May, 2023.

The 67th Eurovision Song Contest marks the ninth time the event has been held in the UK.