The UK’s spiritual home of Eurovision is moving, after public broadcaster BBC announced it would move away from London. From now on, the 12 points from the UK will be delivered from Manchester, in the north west of the country.
Manc-mania
The decision to move Eurovision to MediaCityUK in Manchester is part of a major restructure of the BBC. Many popular shows that run across the broadcaster’s four channels have moved from London up north. Part of this is to help with the reduction of the costs, as well as offering more space and developing the local area.
Moving Eurovision coverage to MediaCityUK in Manchester is also important. Despite Manchester being the second-largest city in the UK, the city has not hosted the Contest in the eight times the UK has played host to Europe.
From now on, the UK’s twelve points will be delivered from MediaCityUK, a massive television studio park, used by British channels like the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. The media industrial park, located in the west of the city in the borough of Salford, plays host to the nation’s favourite shows, including Coronation Street and the BBC’s breakfast shows.
“Ey up loves!”
Speaking about the decision to move Eurovision to Manchester, Rachel Ashdown, Commissioning Editor at the BBC cited the musical history of the region.
“The North West of England is famously renowned for its unrivalled musical heritage not just in the UK but across the globe, so it is fitting that from now on the region will be part of the biggest music contest on the planet,” she said.
Similarly, Managing Director of BBC Studios Entertainment Suzy Lamb, added to their excitement to showcase Manchester to a global audience.
“We are so thrilled to continue building the expertise and skillset of our production hub in the North. It will be so exciting to welcome the global Eurovision audience to the North West with ‘Good Evening From Salford in Greater Manchester’.”
The UK’s history in Eurovision
Despite a recent slump in results, the UK is one of the most successful countries at the Eurovision Song Contest. Debuting at the second edition ever of the Contest in 1957, the United Kingdom has won the competition on five separate occasions. The most recent win for the UK was in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves, singing “Love Shine A Light”. The UK also holds the record for the number of second place finishes – currently at 15.
In 2021, the UK was represented by James Newman with his song “Embers”. However, the performance failed to impress juries or televoters, finishing in last place with zero points.
What do you make of the news from the BBC? Do you think this change of location will change the UK’s fortunes? Who would you like to see give out the 12 points for the UK? As always, let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. In addition, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep on top the UK’s preparations for Eurovision 2022.
News Source: BBC
Photo Credit: MediaCityUK
