Bristol mayor announces bid for city to host Eurovision Song Contest

The Mayor of Bristol has launched a bid to bring next year’s Eurovision Song Contest to Bristol.

Last month, it was reported that the BBC had been asked to take on the 2023 singing competition after organisers decided 2022 winners Ukraine were no longer able to host the contest due to the ongoing conflict in their country.

In light of the news, Mayor Marvin Rees announced Bristol’s bid to act as a “caretaker” for next year’s competition at the city’s brand-new arena Brabazon Hangars.

Eurovision winner Oleh Psiuk heads home to serve Ukraine

In a video message played at Bristol Pride on Saturday shortly before headliner Carly Rae Jepsen performed, Mr Rees said: "Hello Pride, this is Bristol calling.

"It’s great that everyone is here, in person, for Bristol Pride and I’m excited to talk about another opportunity for Bristol to come together again.

"Despite winning the Eurovision Song Contest in May, incredibly sadly, Ukraine won’t host the contest in 2023 and the BBC have been asked to take on Eurovision next year.

"As a global and diverse City of Sanctuary, Bristol can be the caretaker of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We’re working in partnership with YTL Arena Bristol on a bid to bring Eurovision to the Brabazon Hangars.

"Bristol has the perfect site where we can custom build the perfect Eurovision Song Contest. We’ve got the Space, Man. You’ll see what I’ve done there.

"Bristol’s ready with a really strong bid and we need you to help us bring this home. We have posted this on social media - please share it.

"Tell the world how much you want Bristol to be the next home of Eurovision using our hashtag #ThisIsBristolCalling."

Ukraine won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy, with their song ‘Stefania’ by Kalush Orchestra, after receiving an astounding 631 points.

Meanwhile, Sam Ryder gave the UK its best result since 1998 and came second with his song, Space Man, finishing on 466 points.

The UK has hosted the contest eight times; London four times (1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977), and once in Edinburgh (1972), Brighton (1974), Harrogate (1982) and Birmingham (1998).

Although Bristol have launched their bid, they face stiff competition from Glasgow, London, Manchester and Leeds who have also shown interest to host the event next year.