VETERAN Eurovision commentator Graham Norton has described Glasgow as a “great place” to host the contest after the city was shortlisted to host next year’s event.
Glasgow and Liverpool have been chosen as the final two of seven possible cities across the UK to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in place of this year’s winner Ukraine.
The UK came second in the competition and played host after competition organizers said the event could not be held in Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
Speaking on STV’s News at Six program on Tuesday, Norton said: “I think Glasgow would be a great place for it.
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“You have wonderful venues, hotels, airports, trains and jokes.
“Every taxi driver in Glasgow will say, ‘Yes!’ Come on!'”
Sam Ryder, Great Britain’s 2022 entry and runner-up, was also asked by Clyde 1 radio presenters to support Glasgow’s bid.
He said: “I’m Sam Ryder and I want Eurovision to be in Glasgow!”
And Lawrence Chaney, who won the second series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and hails from Glasgow, also backed the city, saying they were “crossing their fingers and toes”.
Councilor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “We’re delighted that Glasgow has made it to the final two cities in the running to host Eurovision and the Ukraine festival next year.
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“The competition was very strong, but Glasgow has an unrivaled track record for successfully hosting major global events.
“Between this experience and experience; our famous live music scene and one of the world’s best entertainment venues at the OVO Hydro – Glasgow has what it takes to put on a show the whole Eurovision family can be proud of.”
The decision of the organizers of the competition, the European Broadcasting Union, will be made “within a few weeks”.
