It was wonderful to see everyone in person in such fabulous weather on Saturday for Bristol Pride, after two years of the festival happening online due to the pandemic. I want to send again my thanks to the organisers for two weeks of brilliant events, as well as Saturday’s parade and festival on The Downs.
At the festival just before Carly Rae Jepsen took to the stage I announced another opportunity for Bristol to come together again.
Despite winning the Eurovision Song Contest in May, incredibly sadly, Ukraine won’t host the contest in 2023. The BBC have been asked to take on Eurovision next year.
We know that decision has come as a real blow to the people of Ukraine, and so we need to reflect that this opportunity for the UK has come as a result of a war where we have seen suffering and loss.
The custodian of next year’s contest has to reflect this context. It needs to honour Ukraine’s victory, and put those who have been forced to leave their homes at the heart of the event.
As a global and diverse City of Sanctuary that has for many years extended the hand of welcome to those fleeing conflict, Bristol can be the caretaker of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
We’re working in partnership with YTL Arena Bristol on a bid to bring Eurovision to the Brabazon Hangers. We have the perfect site, where we can custom-build the perfect Eurovision Song Contest, with sustainability, inclusion and legacy at its core.
As I said on Saturday – we’ve got the space, man.
The city and region’s tourism and hospitality sector would benefit from such a huge event, and we’re committed to build a legacy for the whole of Bristol.
Bristol is ready with a really strong bid, and we need you to help us bring this home.
Please share the video on social media (it’s on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and embedded below) and tell the world how much you want Bristol to be the next home of Eurovision using the hashtag #ThisIsBristolCalling.