Eurovision Song Contest 2023 host city shortlist revealed

The shortlist of cities in the running to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 has been revealed - and Manchester IS still in the running. A total of 20 British cities expressed interest, including Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Sheffield.

The big reveal as to who made it to the shortlist was made on BBC Radio 2 on Friday morning (August 12) during Zoe Ball's Breakfast Show with the host and BBC Radio 1's Scott Mills. The seven cities to have made the cut are: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

The event’s organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), previously decided the event cannot be held in war-torn Ukraine following the Russian invasion. The UK was therefore given the chance to host Eurovision for the ninth time – more than any other country – after Sam Ryder pulled off a spectacular performance and came second in the competition back in May.

READ MORE: Why Manchester should get to host the Eurovision song contest

The decision as to who will host the competition next year is being made in two stages, starting with the cities being shortlisted "based on their ability to meet the requirements and their responses around capability and experience". The strict criteria on cities that could apply to host Eurovision included being close to an airport and having enough hotel capacity for thousands of fans.

The broadcaster also said it may “consult” the UK Government on the decision, but the host city will ultimately be decided upon by the BBC and the EBU.

Despite not being able to host the competition following folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra's triumphant win with their song Stefania in Turin, Italy, earlier this year, Ukraine will automatically qualify for