Since I was in charge last time we won and was responsible for choosing the city to host the next year's show, I should reveal that my first choice was BELFAST but when it was decided NOT to hold it there (security back in 1997) I chose Birmingham and we had a great time there (incidentally coming SECONDS with Imaani).
With the ludicrous madness of Brexit I reckon it's even more important to select Belfast this time (the bonus economically is vast from hotels, restaurants, taxis - let alone the boost for tourism with all those loonies checking out the set for Game of Thrones).

JK2006 wrote:
Since I was in charge last time we won and was responsible for choosing the city to host the next year's show, I should reveal that my first choice was BELFAST but when it was decided NOT to hold it there (security back in 1997) I chose Birmingham and we had a great time there (incidentally coming SECONDS with Imaani).
With the ludicrous madness of Brexit I reckon it's even more important to select Belfast this time (the bonus economically is vast from hotels, restaurants, taxis - let alone the boost for tourism with all those loonies checking out the set for Game of Thrones).

I agree that there are many factors that would make Belfast a good choice but I don't think it has a suitable indoor venue for an event of the scale Eurovision has become.

I believe the Principality Stadium in Cardiff ticks enough boxes to get it. With a retractable roof in can become an areana with a 75,000 capacity. It is close to the centre of the city and politically it would be acceptable, hosting it at a venue away from london/England

I've done Eurovision in many places but now the political aspect has emerged as a vital part of it (which I hate) I think Belfast would be even more apt. These days there's no problem with Arena size. It's a great city actually (I love it). The way the current stupid Government has tried to destroy it (Brexit) makes the statement even more essential.

Katrina looking fabulous on BBC Breakfast; not just a great performer but a lovely person too. Happy memories.

If I was still running Eurovision... if I was Global Chairman of EMI Records... if I still had influence at the BBC I'd tell them to get together with ABBA to work out how to combine the new technology of Voyage with Eurovision 2023 so wherever it comes from it changes into a better, more modern show (I'd do the same with Awards shows like The Brits which I used to write and produce and even, once, host).

BB wrote:
JK2006 wrote:
Since I was in charge last time we won and was responsible for choosing the city to host the next year's show, I should reveal that my first choice was BELFAST but when it was decided NOT to hold it there (security back in 1997) I chose Birmingham and we had a great time there (incidentally coming SECONDS with Imaani).
With the ludicrous madness of Brexit I reckon it's even more important to select Belfast this time (the bonus economically is vast from hotels, restaurants, taxis - let alone the boost for tourism with all those loonies checking out the set for Game of Thrones).

I agree that there are many factors that would make Belfast a good choice but I don't think it has a suitable indoor venue for an event of the scale Eurovision has become.

I believe the Principality Stadium in Cardiff ticks enough boxes to get it. With a retractable roof in can become an areana with a 75,000 capacity. It is close to the centre of the city and politically it would be acceptable, hosting it at a venue away from london/England


I agree but the government are so London centric it's ridiculous. Correct me if I am wrong BB would Manchester also be viable place to hold Eurovision?

Nowhere in the UK comes close to the Principality stadium as far as size/capacity of an indoor venue. The scale and spectacle of a covered stadium would allow the show designers so much scope for an impressive live show. To hold all the heats and rehearsals requires access to a venue for a minimum of 10 days. All the major arenas on the live music circuit will already having bookings in place for May 2023 which will be difficult to cancel.

I would put Manchester second favourite if I was giving odds. The BBC will have a big say in the choice and Manchester would be easiest for them.

Belfast doesn't have the infrastructure to hold such a big event and I'm not sure it would be perceived as a positive message by the European authorities if it was suggested for political point scoring reasons.

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I think Liverpool is going to get it.