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Eurovision 2023: Glasgow or Liverpool will host the upcoming contest!

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Either Glasgow or Liverpool will host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, after the shortlist of cities in contention was cut from seven to two.

The announcement means Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield have missed out on the chance to stage the competition next May.

The BBC said the two remaining cities, which both have riverside arena venues, had “the strongest overall offer”.

A final decision will be made “within weeks”, the broadcaster said.

 

The UK was chosen to host the 2023 contest after organisers decided it could not be staged by this year’s winner, Ukraine, because of the ongoing war. The UK’s singer Sam Ryder was the runner-up this May.

A hotly-contested selection process saw 20 UK cities express an interest in hosting this year’s show before that was narrowed down to seven, and now a final two.

Crowds outside Glasgow's OVO Hydro arenaJEFF HOLMES

Glasgow’s OVO Hydro arena doubled as the venue in Will Ferrell’s Eurovision movie

The winning location will attract thousands of visitors and the attention of around 160 million TV viewers around the world.

The original seven shortlisted cities were scored on a set of criteria including:

  • “Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest
  • “The commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution
  • “The strength of the cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music
  • “And alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster, such as providing value to all audiences and supporting the creative economy in the UK.”

Glasgow calling?

LuluGETTY IMAGES

Lulu won Eurovision in 1969

Glasgow was a bookies’ favourite from the off, with its OVO Hydro venue having a capacity of 14,300.

The arena would be a fitting setting in some ways after being filmed for the exterior of the venue in Will Ferrell’s 2020 Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

And of course, Glasgow lass Lulu won the 1969 Contest with Boom Bang-a-Bang. She says it’s “the perfect place… and it’s about time”.

Fellow Glaswegian Scott Fitzgerald came second in 1988 when he was beaten to the top spot by none other than Celine Dion.

Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken has said the city “has all the right ingredients to deliver a Eurovision the world will remember”.

The city centre venue is also next to exhibition centres that could be useful for facilities like a press centre, and has a nearby station and hotels. It has previously hosted BBC Sports Personality of the Year and events during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Or douze points to Liverpool?

SoniaGETTY IMAGES

Sonia is keen for the contest to come to her home city

The home of The Beatles has a rich musical history that attracts thousands of international visitors every year. Its past major events have included the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2008.

Sonia came second in the contest back in 1993 with Better the Devil You Know. The city has also been represented by Jemini, who sadly got nul points in 2003.

Eurovision would be staged at the 11,000-capacity dockside M&S Bank Arena, which is next to a conference centre and near the city centre’s hotels and rail links.

Speaking earlier this year, Steve Rotheram, mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: “It’s safe to say that Liverpool wouldn’t be Liverpool without music – and music wouldn’t be music without Liverpool.

“No region in the UK has had more number one hits – and nowhere can throw a party quite like us. I can think of nowhere more qualified, more experienced or more fitting to host the Eurovision.”

Short presentational grey line

Eurovision organisers say a host venue should accommodate about 10,000 spectators, be within easy reach of an international airport and have enough hotel accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and ticket-buyers.

The venue will be needed for preparations for six to eight weeks ahead of the song contest, meaning the host city will need to move concerts and events that are already in their schedules.

Aerial shot of Liverpool's waterfront including the M&S Bank Arena and adjoining exhibition centreANT CLAUSEN

Liverpool’s arena and exhibition centre are on the banks of the River Mersey

That could include the likes of Sir Elton John, who has concerts in Liverpool on 22 and 23 April, and the Magic Mike arena tour, which is booked for both cities in late April.

The UK has hosted Eurovision eight times – four times in London, and in Edinburgh, Brighton, Harrogate and Birmingham.

The former UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said when the shortlist was revealed that the country was “determined to deliver a competition which reflects Ukraine’s rich culture and creativity”. Congratulating the shortlisted cities, she said “no matter which one is chosen it will be a fantastic event to make both the UK and Ukraine proud”.

The BBC’s director of unscripted content Kate Phillips said: “We are committed to delivering a truly unique Song Contest that celebrates wonderful Ukraine and champions British music and creativity in all its diversity.”

The final decission will be made in the next weeks! Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun!

Source: BBC

United Kingdom: Participation selection with the 2022 formula in 2023!

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BBC confirmed the rumors and announced today that it will follow the 2022 formula for selecting a partipant and a song for Eurovision 2023, that is going to take place at United Kingdom.

As announced, BBC and BBC Studios will once again be collaborating with TaP Music (an international management and music publishing company), that is behind world’s most successful pop artists, such as Lana del Rey, Ellie Goulding, London Grammar, Dermot Kennedy and Mabel in order to choose a song and act that will represent the United Kingdom in Eurovision 2023.

At its statement, BBC refers to last year’s very successful British participation – that was selected through the same process that is going to be followed this year – performed by Sam Ryder. The song “Space Man” finished 2nd at the Grand Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ0hqX_92zI

Some statements by BBC, BBC Studios and TaP Music follow. Rachel Ashdown, Commissioning Editor for BBC says:

“We are thrilled that Ben Mawson and Ed Millett plus the team at TaP will once again bring their unrivalled expertise to work with the BBC and BBC Studios to find an act and song to represent the UK at Eurovision. I hope we can find another artist who will not only be a brilliant ambassador for Eurovision but like Sam will sing their head off with a stand out song.”

Suzy Lamb, MD for BBC Studios Entertainment and Music says:

“BBC Studios are looking forward to working closely with the team at TaP again to continue to build on the success of this year’s collaboration. After Sam Ryder’s incredible result in Turin, we have a hard act to follow, but are looking forward to the challenge of finding a stand-out act and song for Eurovision 2023 that will be cheered on by a home crowd!”

Ben Mawson and Ed Millett at TaP Music says:

“TaP are very excited to be back working with the BBC to select the UK entry for Eurovision 2023. Last year we wanted to change the narrative around the UK and Eurovision to something much more positive. We focussed on what Eurovision is all about – we found an brilliant artist, an unforgettable song and an incredible person in Sam Ryder – we’re so proud of his fantastic success, coming 2nd in the competition and then achieving a number 1 single. 2022 will be a hard act to follow but we’re more than ready for the challenge – Eurovision being held in the UK for 2023 is such an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of British musical talent. Our search starts here!”

Do you agree with the selection proccess chosen by BBC for Eurovision 2023?

Source: bbc.co.uk

Eurovision 2023: New Information revealed about the Host City bid race!

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We have already reported that the decision about the Host City Eurovision 2023 will be announced in the Fall. What we didn’t know is how lengthy and elaborative BBC’s process really is. A recent discussion, however, between Liverpool Echo and Cllr Harry Doyle (a Liverpool city official) has shed some light into the procedure and give us a full picture of the BBC’s roadmap.

According to Liverpool Echo, the seven shortlisted cities must now provide BBC with their complete bids until September the 8th.

After an initial examination of the submitted bids, BBC will pay a visit to all the aspirant host cities (during September), in order to inspect the arenas and cities’ infrastructure.

Following the local inspection, BBC will once again deliberate, together with EBU, having this time all the necessary information to make the best choice. As a Liverpool city official maintains the final decision concerning the Eurovision 2023 Host City will be made public in late September or early October.

Stay tuned for all the updates regarding Eurovision 2023 and the Host City bid race!

United Kingdom: Returns to Junior Eurovision Song Contest!

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The BBC has confirmed that the United Kingdom will participate in Junior Eurovision for the first time since 2005, and that it will broadcast the 2022 Contest live on CBBC, BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The 20th Junior Eurovision will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, on Sunday 11 December, following Maléna’s sensational win in Paris last year with her whirlwind of a song Qami Qami.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEqRlYCxPHw

It will be the first time the BBC has taken part in Junior Eurovision, as previous participations were organised by ITV.

The process to select the act and song is now underway and is being led by CBBC with BBC Studios Entertainment and Music. The act and song representing the United Kingdom will be announced in due course, as will the commentators.

The news follows the announcement in July that the BBC will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom on behalf of Ukraine.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education, says:

‘We are beyond excited to bring the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to the BBC for the first time, and to showcase the diverse young musical talent from across Europe for children and their families to discover and enjoy together. This junior version of Eurovision will undoubtedly encapsulate the same spirit of unity that the adult contest brings, reflecting the heart of what CBBC is all about, an inclusive channel that celebrates the diversity and creativity in all children. I can’t wait to unveil our own musical talent who will proudly represent the UK.’

The United Kingdom took part in the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen in 2003, where their representative, Tom Morley, finished in third place with My Song For The World.

Two further participations followed with Cory Spedding (finishing 2nd) and Joni Fuller (14th) before the United Kingdom withdrew.

Wales participated in Junior Eurovision via Sianel Pedwar Cymru (S4C); the Welsh language broadcaster sent Manw in 2018 and Erin Mai in 2019.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news!

Source: JuniorEurovision.tv

Eurovision 2023: Glasgow is bookies’ heavy favourite to host the Contest!

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Following the BBC’s announcement of the shortlist of cities on 12th August, one aspirant organising city has become bookies’ absolute favourite to host ESC. Glasgow, albeit being ahead of competition from the very beginning, has now managed to crystallise its position, according to the betting odds, securing an overwhelming 52% chance of holding the event!

Interestingly, Glasgow has more than doubled its chances to host ESC since August the 11th, a day before the official announcement of the shortlisted cities. Birmingham and Manchester are the bookies’ second and third favourite, with 17% and 11% chance of hosting ESC respectively, having no considerable fluctuations in the betting odds over the last three weeks.

However, the Host City bid race is far from over. The seven shortlisted cities have now entered the first stage of the two stage bidding process. In the second stage, the cities will be narrowed down to two, and one will prevail and take over hosting duties from Turin, ESC 2022 Host City.

Have the bookies correctly predicted the Eurovision 2023 Host City? Which other city could possibly intercept Glasgow’s victorious course? 

Eurovision 2023: Sam Ryder predicts the city that will host the contest!

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Sam Ryder, the famous TikToker who managed to bring the UK to second place in this year’s competition, winning the jury’s vote, recently gave a radio interview on the occasion of the release of his new song. Among other things, he gave his prediction for the city that will be finally chosen by the BBC and the EBU, in order to host Eurovision 2023.

Between Manchester and Glasgow, Sam Ryder thinks the choice will be made for the city that will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.

Cardiff is out of the games right, and Birmingham have just had… (the Commonwealth Games).

I mean I’d be happy with it anywhere, but Manchester seems like a good bet, or Glasgow. They’re the ones that I think it could go to.

Sam Ryder was also asked if we will see him live at the next contest, with him not knowing anything yet, but being available for any role in Eurovision 2023 he is given, even selling tickets!

I have no idea…I hope so, I’m not going to be coy about it. Please let me do something! I’ll sweep, I’ll give the tickets out. I just want to see it, it’s just going to be so amazing, what an incredible experience for like a Eurovision fan!

Among the seven cities below, the city that will host Eurovision 2023 will be chosen:

  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool
  • Leeds
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham
  • Newcastle
  • Sheffield

The final announcement will be made in the fall.

Listen to Sam Ryder’s new song, released on August 19:

Stay tuned for Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: planetradio

Eurovision 2023: Shortlist of Host Cities revealed!

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One of the most important dates of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest is today, as the BBC announced a little while ago the list of cities that will officially vie to host Eurovision 2023.

As the nomination process to host the next contest has come to an end, the British public broadcaster and the EBU have finalized the cities that qualify for the second stage of selecting the host city of the 67th Eurovision.

As we knew until yesterday, at least ten cities had confirmed that they had submitted their proposals, while at least another five had expressed interest in submitting their own proposals, but had not officially done so.

The announcement was made through the morning radio broadcast of the BBC’s second program entitled “BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show“. After the detailed examination of all the proposals, the cities that will claim the hosting of Eurovision 2023 in the coming months are:

  • Birmingham – Resorts World Arena (15,685 seats)

  • Glasgow – OVO Hydro (14,500 seats)

  • Leeds – First Direct Arena (13,781 seats)

  • Liverpool – M&S Bank Arena (11,000 seats)

  • Manchester – AO Arena (21,000 seats)

  • Newcastle – Utilita Arena Newcastle (11,000 seats)

  • Sheffield – Utilita Arena Sheffield (13,600 seats)

This means that the following cities were left out of contention:

  • Aberdeen
  • Bristol
  • Belfast
  • Darlington

A decision on where the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be held is expected to be made in the autumn. According to the BBC, the UK government may be consulted beforehand, but it will be the BBC and the EBU who decide the host city.

Eurovision 2023 will be held in the United Kingdom after Kalush Orchestra won this year’s contest with the song “Stefania“. Despite Ukraine’s victory, the EBU decided that the next contest will be held in the United Kingdom, which took second place, since due to the ongoing war in Ukraine after the Russian invasion, it is not possible for Eurovision to take place there.

In which city would you like Eurovision 2023 to take place?

Eurovision 2023: Schedule conflict will force UK host cities to cancel other events to make way for ESC!

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One problem that the EBU and the BBC will be asked to manage in view of the choice of Host City for Eurovision 2023 is that of the already scheduled events for next spring.

As is known, in order to make all the necessary preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest, it takes a little more than six weeks. This means that the contest venue should be free for this period of time.

Nevertheless, the announcement during the summer of Eurovision 2023 on British soil is going to overturn the planning of all indoor arenas that have scheduled events for this period.

Artists and shows such as Magic Mike, André Rieu and Elton John have scheduled events in the candidate cities and candidate indoor arenas that want to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.

In fact, the producers of the Magic Mike Tour confirmed in a BBC News report that no one has asked them to reschedule their shows in Newcastle and Manchester. Tickets for the shows are already on sale, as the final decision on the host city won’t be made until the fall. We remind you that both cities are in the running to host Eurovision 2023.

Despite the planning for that period so far, the executives of many of the indoor arenas told BBC News that if they are selected to hold the next competition, they will immediately proceed to discussions with the producers of the planned events in order to reschedule them.

Scheduled Events

The scheduled events for the period April – May 2023 in the candidate cities for Eurovision 2023 are:

Aberdeen P&J Live

10 – 11 April – Jurassic Live

20 April – Magic Mike

25 May – André Rieu

Belfast SSE

31 March – Elton John

1 April – Belfast Giants vs Guildford Flame

20 April – André Rieu

22 April – Magic Mike

29 April – Biggest 90s Disco

20 May – Anything For Love

Birmingham Utilita

26 – 27 March – Celine Dion

28 April – Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe

1 May – Magic Mike

Birmingham Resorts World

15 April – André Rieu

19 April – Elton John

Glasgow OVO Hydro

2 – 3 April – Celine Dion

18 April – Sabaton

25 April – Magic Mike

27 April – André Rieu

Leeds First Direct Arena

1 April – Europe’s Strongest Man

14 April – Sabaton

22 April – Michael Starring Ben

29 April – Magic Mike

11 May – André Rieu

Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

22 – 23 April – Elton John

24 April – Magic Mike

29 April – Reminisce in Concert

30 April – Michael Starring Ben

12 May – André Rieu

London O2 Arena

2 – 9 April – Elton John

10 – 11 April – Celine Dion

12 – 13 & 16 – 17 April – Elton John

21 April – Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe

30 April – Tokio Hotel

8 May – Måneskin

14 May – British Basketball Play-Off Finals

London OVO Wembley Arena

14 April – André Rieu

15 April – Sabaton

23 April – Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe

4 May – Stromae

Manchester AO Arena

5 – 6 April – Celine Dion

14 April – Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe

2 May – Magic Mike

Newcastle Utilita Arena

27 April – Magic Mike

Sheffield Utilita Arena

1 April – Steelers v Glagsow Clan

26 April – Magic Mike

13 May – André Rieu

Selection Process

In two days, on Friday, August 12, we will officially know the cities that will definitively claim to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, as reported by the British media.

Shortly after Newcastle‘s bid for Eurovision 2023 was made official, the Chronicle, Tyneside’s largest news site, reports that the BBC will reveal on Friday the shortlisted host cities that wish to host the next Eurovision.

The announcement, according to the Chronicle’s publication, will be made through the morning radio broadcast of the BBC’s second program entitled “BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show“. However, the British public broadcaster has so far neither confirmed nor denied the report.

As it became known a few days ago, the selection process will take place in two rounds. After the first round of nominations, the BBC and the EBU will select the nominations that meet the requirements and have the capacity to host Europe’s biggest televised event.

A decision on where the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be held is expected to be made in the autumn. According to the BBC, the UK government may be consulted beforehand, but it will be the BBC and the EBU who decide the host city.

The following cities have confirmed that work has begun on their bids:

  • Aberdeen
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool
  • Newcastle
  • Belfast
  • Sheffield
  • Leeds

While the following cities have already indicated their intention to submit their own bids:

  • Brighton
  • Derry
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Nottingham
  • Sunderland
  • Wolverhampton

Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Stefania“. It was Ukraine‘s third win in the contest’s history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

Source: BBC

Eurovision 2023: Sheffield, Bristol and Leeds submitted their bids for the contest!

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Three more cities are being added to the long list of cities keen to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place next May in the UK.

Sheffield

Sheffield City Council has announced that they have submitted the city’s bid for Eurovision 2023. The proposed venue is the 13,600 capacity Utilita Sheffield Arena, built in 1991.

Sheffield is honoured to be bidding to be the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. While Sheffield will be the Host City, we have come together in solidarity as a region to support our bid, drawing on the assets and strengths of our communities across South Yorkshire…

We are working in partnership with Sheffield City Trust, SYMCA, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham councils to deliver the bid application requirements and continue to demonstrate our capability and aspiration to deliver this international event on behalf of the Ukrainian people.

Bristol

The mayor of Bristol announced on social networks the official submission of a proposal to host Eurovision 2023. With the slogan that they have put the Ukrainians at the heart of their candidacy, Bristol hopes to be the one to win the event.

https://twitter.com/MarvinJRees/status/1557071716731346947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1557071716731346947%7Ctwgr%5Ec6e7b996eaad7869327e4849f7b40b5d41bd94bc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Feurovisionfun.com%2F2022%2F08%2Feurovision-2023-CF83CEADCF86CEB9CEBBCEBDCF84-CEBCCF80CF81CEAFCF83CF84CEBFCEBB-CEBACEB1CEB9-CEBBCEB9CEBDCF84CF82-CF85CF80CEADCEB2CEB1CEBB%2F

As a venue, Bristol proposes the YTL Arena which is under construction and which will be completed a few months before Eurovision 2023, next May.

Leeds

The city council of Leeds has announced the submission of their own city’s proposal to host Eurovision 2023. As a venue they propose the First Direct Arena, built in 2013 and with a capacity of approximately 13,000 people.

Selection Process

In two days, on Friday, August 12, it is likely that we will officially know the cities that will definitively claim to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, as reported by the British media.

Shortly after Newcastle‘s bid for Eurovision 2023 was made official, the Chronicle, Tyneside’s largest news site, reports in a report today that the BBC will reveal the shortlisted host cities that wish to host the next Eurovision.

The announcement, according to the Chronicle’s publication, will be made through the morning radio broadcast of the BBC’s second program entitled “BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show“. However, the British public broadcaster has so far neither confirmed nor denied the report.

As it became known a few days ago, the selection process will take place in two rounds. After the first round of nominations, the BBC and the EBU will select the nominations that meet the requirements and have the capacity to host Europe’s biggest televised event.

A decision on where the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be held is expected to be made in the autumn. According to the BBC, the UK government may be consulted beforehand, but it will be the BBC and the EBU who decide the host city.

The following cities have confirmed that work has begun on their bids:

  • Aberdeen
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool
  • Newcastle
  • Belfast
  • Sheffield
  • Leeds

While the following cities have already indicated their intention to submit their own bids:

  • Brighton
  • Derry
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Nottingham
  • Sunderland
  • Wolverhampton

Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Stefania“. It was Ukraine‘s third win in the contest’s history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

Eurovision 2023: Newcastle is “in” and Derry is “out” of Host City bid race!

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We have already reported the flurry of excitement across UK, and among cities willing to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. And while we await the announcement of the shortlist on August 12, the developments on this front are still coming through, with Newcastle confirming the submission of an official bid, and Derry clarifying that it is no longer interested in hosting the event.

Withdrawal of interest by Derry (N. Ireland)

According to a recent article, Derry, the second most populous city in N. Ireland, appears to have changed its mind and will not proceed with an official bid to host the Competition in the city, despite its initial interest. A spokesperson for Derry City Council said:

Following the resolution at June’s Council meeting “that Council Officers investigate the feasibility of submitting a bid to host the 2023 Eurovision Final”, Council has advised its elected members that the hosting criteria has been reviewed.

The Council area is unable to fulfill a number of the essential minimum criteria in relation to the provision of a suitable venue and supporting accommodation infrastructure. On that basis, it was recommended that a Stage 1 bid is not submitted.

Official bid by Newcastle (NE England)

The formal bid was submitted by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Confirming the Council’s plans, NGI Director, Ian Thomas, said:

This is a once in a generation opportunity to welcome a huge number of international visitors, performers and media to the North East of England and to showcase our world- class culture, rich heritage and vibrant region to the world.

Our bid is a region-wide effort with support from our local authorities, and public and private sector partners from across the North East as we recognise the enormity of this opportunity.

The potential impact of Newcastle hosting Eurovision 2023 is phenomenal. Eurovision will play a significant role in rejuvenating and sustaining our visitor economy, supporting our businesses and creating an even better place for our residents.

Addressing the city’s success at hosting other large scale events, he added:

We’ve seen other large events such as the European Professional Rugby Club finals attract 95,000 fans to the region which contributed £24m to our visitor economy in 2019, and World Transplant Games also in 2019 brought in attendees from over 50 countries which pushed hotel occupancy rates up by 13%, supporting the hospitality supply chain and helping to sustain jobs within the industry.

Eurovision will be on an even bigger scale, and we welcome this fantastic opportunity to bring this to the region.

Councillor Alex Hay of the Newcastle City Council, said:

“We are delighted to be bidding to host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with its people. We are collaborating with partners across the region to help make this a reality for Newcastle, to do Ukraine proud and to embody everything that Eurovision stands for.

We’re committed to making Newcastle a better place for our residents and visitors, and hosting Eurovision will be a crucial tool in achieving that.

It will not only showcase the city and its incredible people on a global stage, but it will have a tangible social and economic impact in bringing financial investment into the city, helping change perceptions of the North East, and build a lasting legacy for our city.

We are a certified City of Sanctuary, which strengthens our message that everyone is welcome here. Music is a big part of our heritage and it’s time for us to write a new verse in that history.

We are Newcastle, we are a safe city, famous for our Geordie welcome, we stand united with Ukraine – and we are the perfect host for Eurovision 2023.

Would Newcastle be a good host for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest? Stay tuned for any updates!