The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the UK in 2023, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC has officially confirmed.
The announcement that the UK will be the host country comes following the decision that next year’s event cannot be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons, despite the EBU having already explored a number of options with the winning broadcaster.
As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.
The 2023 contest will be hosted in the UK on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA:PBC.
"We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023," said Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor.
"The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions, and continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event."
The BBC has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other broadcaster - hosting in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977, Edinburgh in 1972, Brighton in 1974, Harrogate in 1982, and Birmingham in 1998.
It's been confirmed that representatives from UA: PBC will work with the BBC to "develop and implement" the Ukrainian elements of next year’s show.
"It's a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest," added Tim Davie - Director-General of the BBC.
"Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.
"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity, and the BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023."
The EBU has confirmed that next year’s host city will be chosen in the coming months following a bidding process, which is being launched this week.
Leeds has been named as one of the front-running cities to host the contest.
The dates for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be announced in due course.
Featured Image - Eurovision TV
News
American rapper cancels rescheduled Leeds gig AGAIN due to ‘ongoing illness’
Action Bronson cancels Leeds gig for a second time, and it's safe to say fans aren't happy.
Ariyan Arslani, better known by his stage name Action Bronson, is an American rapper, chef and TV personality with a huge following.
The star was meant to perform at Project House last Tuesday 30 June but the show was cancelled the morning of, and subsequently the venue released an updated date of Tuesday 7 July.
It seems fans of Bronson may be experiencing some deja vu, as the gig has yet again been cancelled with short notice.
Except this time, no rescheduled date has been given.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The statement by Project House reads: "We have been informed by Action Bronson's team that regrettably, due to an ongoing illness he will be unable to perform at Project House this evening.
"We're incredibly sorry to be cancelling at such short notice. We had hoped last week's postponements would allow for sufficient recovery time but sadly, that has not been the case. Action is as disappointed as we are and we'd like to wish him all the best. Refunds will be issued from the point of purchase."
And it's fair to say the comments are...interesting, with fans far from happy about a second cancellation.
One comment reads: "Well enough to play two shows in London and one in the Netherlands, but just can’t seem to shake a cold to get to Leeds."
Whilst another disappointed fan commented: "He’s not ill guys! Obviously not a knock on the lovely folks at project house, but that’s a bullshit reason he and his team have come up with for insurance purposes!"
Leeds comedy club announce first ever family-friendly comedy show
Clementine Hall
The Glee Club is giving families a brand-new way to spend their weekends with the launch of a new comedy experience for the whole family.
If you're looking for a new way to spend time with the whole family, then look no further.
The Glee Club is bringing a monthly family-friendly comedy show to the city that will deliver laughs for children, parents, and grandparents alike.
Featuring some of the UK's best family comedians, each two-hour lunchtime show will showcase a mix of British and international acts who specialise in entertaining audiences of all ages.
Image: Supplied
Every performance will feature age-appropriate comedy, ensuring parents, children and grandparents can all enjoy the experience together.
The line-up on Sunday 18 October includes acclaimed performers Steffan Alun, Mat Ricardo and Kirsty Newton.
The Glee Club founder Mark Tughan said: “We’re so excited to bring family-friendly comedy to Leeds for the first time. These shows will bring the same quality entertainment Glee Club is known for but to a whole new younger audience.
“We’ve always believed comedy is best enjoyed live, and these shows are all about creating a fun, welcoming experience that the whole family can enjoy together, and where parents can finally enjoy live stand-up without needing to arrange a babysitter.”
For a limited time, guests can book the new family shows with a half price discount in The Glee Club summer sale. Find out more and book your tickets here.
So grab your tickets, rally the family together and get ready to laugh your socks off at The Glee Club.
Emily Sergeant -
25th July 2022 
