Eurovision 2023: Liverpool submits bid to host

Liverpool has officially submitted its bid to host Eurovision in 2023.

The north-west city has now entered the first phase of a two phase process and hopes to make the shortlist of potential host cities later this week.

The shortlist will be announced on Friday, 12 August on BBC Radio 2 by the European Broadcasting Union.

Read more: Huw Edwards wants to host Eurovision 2023 if competition comes to Cardiff

Liverpool's assistant mayor Harry Doyle said that the city is "the perfect stage to celebrate this unique Eurovision".

He added: "We are excited to have submitted a bid for Liverpool to host Eurovision 2023. Making a major event like this possible in such a short timeframe is complicated and is going to need some careful and creative planning, but we think Liverpool would be the perfect stage to celebrate this unique Eurovision."

Eurovision 2022 was won by Ukraine and their act the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra and the victorious nation usually hosts the next installment.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, they cannot host the competition with it instead going to the UK who finished second with Sam Ryder.

Host venues are usually required to be able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators and be within reach of an airport and have good hotel facilities for the many fans that travel.

If Liverpool won the right to host the event, Eurovision would likely take place at the M&S Arena which holds 11,000 people.

The UK has hosted Eurovision eight times in the past with it being held four times in London and once apiece in Edinburgh, Brighton, Harrogate and Birmingham.

Other cities to put themselves forward for Eurovision 2023 are Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Brighton, Belfast and Bristol.

Cardiff recently pulled out of competing to host the event saying that a number of other already booked events would have to be cancelled in return.

Watch below: How have Ukrainians responded to Eurovision being hosted in the UK?