Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Glasgow is bookies favourite to host
28.07.2022 - 15:57
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The UK is set to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year on behalf of Ukraine, the BBC has confirmed, and according the bookies, Glasgow is the favourite city to host the competition.
Organisers of the event decided that it could not be held in the winning country due to the ongoing conflict following Russia's invasion. Since the UK were runners up, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) opened talks with the BBC about where to hold the contest next year.
In a statement, the broadcaster said this week: "It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege."
Several cities up and down the country are all set to take part in a competitive bidding process including Glasgow, Manchester, Sheffield and London. OLBG Entertainment betting expert Steve Madgwick revealed that Glasgow is currently the favourite.
He said: “Glasgow remain the bookies favourites to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest with their 5/6 odds giving them a decent chance according to bookmakers.”
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson added: “Since it became a possibility that the UK might host on behalf of Ukraine we've been working hard on our bid. We know we meet all the technical requirements, and we know Glaswegians are desperate to welcome the world with open arms.
“Time is now really short to organise the contest and, having recently hosted Cop, we know Glasgow is the safest of safe pairs of hands.”
After the announcement was made that the UK would host the event, the EBU said in a statement: "Following the decision that, regrettably, next year’s event could not be held in