The United Kingdom will finally host Eurovision 2023 with a marked Ukrainian accent

The European Broadcasting Union (UER) ha cerrado definitivamente un acuerdo con la BBC para organizar en las islas británicas el Festival de la Canción de Eurovisión 2023 en nombre de la ganadora de la última edición, la Compañía Nacional de Radiodifusión Pública de Ucrania (UA:PBC).

Following the decision that, unfortunately, next year's contest could not be held in Ukraine for security reasons arising from the war in the country following the unacceptable Russian invasion, the EBU studied several options with the winning station.

As a result of the discussions, the BBC, as the first finalists of the 2022 contest, was invited by the EBU to act as host broadcaster for the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

“We are exceptionally grateful that the BBC has agreed to host the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023,” he said. Martin Osterdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.

"The BBC has taken on the hosting duties of other winning countries on four previous occasions. Following this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year's Festival will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe's most experienced public broadcasters, while ensuring that this year's winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event," he added.

Mykola Chernotytskyi, Jefe del Consejo de Administración de UA:PBC, señaló que “el Festival de Eurovisión 2023 no será en Ucrania, sino en apoyo de Ucrania. Estamos agradecidos a nuestros socios de la BBC por mostrar su solidaridad con nosotros. Estoy seguro de que juntos seremos capaces de añadir el espíritu ucraniano a este evento y de unir una vez más a toda Europa en torno a nuestros valores comunes de paz, apoyo, celebración de la diversidad y talento”.

UA:PBC representatives will work with the BBC to develop and implement the Ukrainian elements of next year's shows. Ukraine, as the winning country of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, will also automatically qualify for the Grand Final of the next contest.

Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, said: "It is very regrettable that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine will not be able to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Being asked to host the world's largest and most complex music competition is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture, as well as showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process of finding a host city to partner with us. to deliver one of the most exciting events coming to the UK in 2023.”

Es de destacar que la BBC ha organizado el Festival de Eurovisión más veces que cualquier otra cadena, siendo anfitriona en Londres en 1960, 1963, 1968 y 1977, Edimburgo en 1972, Brighton en 1974, Harrogate en 1982 y Birmingham en 1998.

La ciudad anfitriona del próximo año se elegirá en los próximos meses tras un proceso de licitación que se iniciará esta semana.