We could have had Eurovision right here on our shores for the first time in over two decades.
Rumours had been bandied around that Belfast was one of the hotly tipped cities to host the 2023 song contest.
Despite Ukraine winning this year’s competition, it was decided that the UK should be the ones to host the annual event due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
That meant that a city in Northern Ireland could have held the contest, with Belfast favourite to do so.
However, the shortlist of cities has now been revealed and it looks like Northern Ireland won’t have the chance next year.
The shortlisted cities chosen by the BBC are Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.
In a statement announcing the shortlist, the BBC said: “Seven cities have been shortlisted based on their ability to meet a set of minimum requirements that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.
“Given the short period of time available, until the event will be staged, the selection process was heavily weighted towards demonstrating past experience in hosting major international events, as well as being able to demonstrate their credentials in hosting a celebration of contemporary music.”
“The Host City selection process is a two-stage process and these seven cities will now go through to the second and final stage, where they will be asked to develop their bids in more detail. The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be decided by the BBC in conjunction with the EBU, and the successful city will be announced in the Autumn,” the statement added.
Next year will be the ninth time Eurovision has taken place in the UK, more than any other country.
