And so the list of potential host cities gets longer and longer!
After the news was announced that the BBC has begun first negotiations to host Eurovision next year, Ex-Minister of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Simon Hamilton tweeted the suggestion that Belfast might be up for the hosting job. Hamilton had multiple positions within the Northern Ireland ‘s government, but is mostly known for being Minister of Economy in 2016 and 2017. And Hamilton is either a massive Eurovision fan or he sees the economic benefit in Belfast as a host city (or both?), seeing his enthusiastic tweet this June 17th.
Hamilton is referring to Belfast ‘s rich history in welcoming big events to the city in recent years, such as the MTV EMA Awards in 2011 and the Giro d ‘Italia in 2014. And he is not the only one dreaming of Eurovision in Belfast. Local councillors Seamas Da Faoite and Anthony Flynn wrote a letter to the chief Executives of the Belfast City Council and Visit Belfast, explaining why Belfast is well equipped and ready to host such a large scale event as Eurovision.
Da Faoite and Flynn write:
“We are writing to you to urge that Belfast City Council and Visit Belfast play a full part in promoting Belfast as the UK destination for hosting Eurovision 2023.
Belfast is already well equipped to host an event like Eurovision, with the appropriate venue capacity and accommodation available, as well as transport links around the city and beyond.
The Eurovision song contest is watched by millions of fans around the world and host countries often use the opportunity to promote their countryside, towns and cities beyond the host city limits, so not only would this be a huge opportunity for Belfast, but also for the whole of Northern Ireland to be shown off on the world stage.
Belfast already has a successful history of hosting large global events, such as the Giro d’Italia in 2014 or the MTV EMA awards in 2011.
We believe it is time for Belfast to take centre stage again in 2023, and we can get Douze points!”
Fifteen cities so far
In the United Kingdom, many cities are seemingly lining up to bring the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to their cities. Below, you can find the full map of cities lining up. They include cities like Liverpool, Sunderland, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Cardiff, Sheffield, Manchester and the most recent UK Eurovision host city, Birmingham.
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