Eurovision Song Contest website lists Swindon among possible hosts for 2023

SWINDON has been named among a list of possible hosts for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

It comes after it was announced that the continental spectacular would return to the UK in 2023.

Ukraine – this year’s winners – cannot host Eurovision as tradition dictates due to the ongoing war with Russia. Sam Ryder finished second with a driving performance from Spaceman and instead earned the UK the honor.

And a post on the official Eurovision website listed Swindon as a possible venue.

It said: “The bidding is expected to be competitive, with several mayors, councilors and MPs already informally expressing their intention to bid, including representatives from: Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swindon and Wolverhampton.

“Of course, not all of these sites will officially apply, and the BBC and EBU will await formal approaches and applications from this week, releasing the long list later this summer.

“In addition to selling their vision of a fantastic competition, potential host cities must demonstrate that they can meet a list of expectations.”

But Swindon City Council poured cold water on the idea, telling the advertiser: “We will not be bidding to host Eurovision.

“We are flattered to have our name associated with such an incredible event and look forward to watching next year.”

Liden, Eldene & Park South Conservative Councilor Bazil Solomon thinks the authority should change their minds.

He said, “It would be wonderful to have him here. We also have a lot of people from Europe here in Swindon.

“There are a lot of places where we could do that here. We are proud of who we are, and we want to get more business for Swindon.

“We have a good music scene, but I would like to make it even better – I have big dreams. We have the talent, but we just need to create more opportunities.

The European Broadcasting Union’s host city criteria for last year aimed to provide a venue that could accommodate at least 10,000 viewers, conveniently located near an international airport and with enough hotels.

Next year’s host city will be chosen in the coming months following a bidding process to be launched this week.

On Twitter, Chris Roberts wondered if Swindon could afford to make a realistic offer.

She said: “Fingers crossed, but does Swindon have a big enough venue, enough hotel accommodation and close to an airport?”

Chris added: “Just heard on the BBC news that Swindon have offered to host Eurovision next year!

“I had to play it again because I was sure I had heard it wrong.

“You need a 10,000-seat indoor arena to start with.”

Do you think Swindon has what it takes to host the contest?

Let us know in the comments.

Comments are closed.