The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the UK next year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed.
In a statement the EBU said it would be held on behalf of this year's winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA: PBC.
A statement from BBC Director General Tim Davie said: "It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
"Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.
"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.
"The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023."
Statement on the #Eurovision Song Contest 2023 from Tim Davie, BBC Director-General https://t.co/CSPCfFNuJS pic.twitter.com/YSRH8AZvZ4
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) July 25, 2022
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC, said: "The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine.
"We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.
"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."
The bidding process to select the host city will begin this week and will be jointly managed by the BBC and EBU.
The winner would require a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.
Sheffield City Council was among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: "We've told Eurovision we’d love to host… watch this space."
We've told @Eurovision we'd love to host... watch this space 👀
— SheffieldCityCouncil (@SheffCouncil) July 25, 2022
And while you're at it #Sheffield, vote for our city as your favourite to host #Eurovision 2023! 👇https://t.co/i60s40RBT4 https://t.co/WaGX0WTIPv
Manchester City Council confirmed it was also putting in a bid with its leader Bev Craig tweeting: "A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK’s largest Ukrainian populations – we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember."
Manchester will be bidding to host @Eurovision @bbceurovision
— Bev Craig (@bevcraig) July 25, 2022
A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK's largest Ukrainian populations- we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember.
More to follow https://t.co/oTnvQZfDXf
London mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced the city's intention to bid to host Eurovision and said "London is ready and willing to step in".
It's very disappointing for Ukraine that they will be unable to host Eurovision next year.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) July 25, 2022
London is ready and willing to step in. We would be honoured to put on a contest that celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain. https://t.co/hIXh1JFdIa
Ukraine joined the contest in 2003 and has won three times, making it one of the most successful of the newer competitor countries - having triumphed in 2004 and 2016.
The lead singer of Kalush Orchestra, who won this year's Eurovision Song Contest, has expressed his gratitude to the UK for hosting the event next year.
Oleh Psiuk said in a statement to the PA news agency: "Of course, we are very sad that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be held in Ukraine next year.
"But we are grateful to the UK for their solidarity and for agreeing to hold the event in support of our country.
"We hope Eurovision 2023 will have a Ukrainian flavour and celebrate our beautiful, unique culture.
"We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country."
