It has been announced that the government of the United Kingdom will be giving £10 million towards Eurovision 2023.
As the United Kingdom gears up to host the biggest music event in the world (on behalf of Ukraine) for the first time since 1998, the BBC have announced that the British government will be contributing £10 million towards the contest, whilst local authorities in Liverpool have already pledged £4 million.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has said that the funding from the government is intended to support security, visa arrangements and other operational aspects of the contest.
This money is also expected to support Liverpool City Council, as well as the BBC’s partnership with Ukrainian broadcaster to showcase Ukrainian culture and “to ensure a collaborative show celebrating music and how it unites people.”
However, the main bulk of the overall costs for Eurovision 2023 will fall on the BBC, as they accepted the invitation to become co-hosts of this years contest, after Ukraine were unable to safely hold the contest in their country.
The BBC report that it is estimated the corporation will spend between £8m and £17m putting on the 2023 contest, an increase on what they would normally spend to participate in Eurovision.
Eurovision returns to the United Kingdom
Back in July 2022, it was confirmed that the United Kingdom will be hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, who could not safely host the contest in their country.
After a lengthy host city bidding process, which saw numerous cities across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland bidding to host the 2023 contest, it eventually came down to two – Glasgow and Liverpool, with the latter being confirmed as host city in October 2022.
Preparations for the contest in May are in full swing. Just last week, the main hosts for the contest were revealed – three British hosts in Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Graham Norton, and one Ukrainian host, Julia Sanina.
It was also revealed that Claire Sweeney, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sam Quek, Scott Mills and Timur Miroshnychenko will be joining the four main hosts. They will be providing content online, in the green room, or working as commentators.
Are you excited for Eurovision 2023? What are your thoughts on the British governments funding towards the contest? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
