Darlington has thrown its hat in the ring with a bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest.
The UK will host the contest next year after organisers decided it could not be held in war-torn Ukraine despite it winning this year’s edition. Now Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has unveiled the shock North East bid during discussions at a scrutiny meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
The metro mayor dropped in the Tees Valley application during an answer to Cllr Pauline Beall when asked about Teesside Airport. Mr Houchen said Newcastle had referenced the airport in their bid – before telling councillors the Tees Valley put its own application together.
Read more: Why Newcastle deserves to upset bookies' odds and host Eurovision next year
He added: “One of the big drivers which helps us be able to qualify under the BBC regulations is there is an airport 10 minutes away from Darlington – which everyone can fly into. We’ve been able to show examples around the BBC Big Weekend with massive acts coming in and all their concept equipment coming in.
“Not having that (airport) means so many other things don’t happen.” The UK was chosen after Sam Ryder came second in this year’s contest.
The bidding process to decide which city will host was launched last month. Major cities including Sheffield, London, and Manchester have confirmed that they will put in an official bid, as has Newcastle, which confirmed its bid on Monday.
Newcastle appeared to have been 'ruled out' of the running on Monday according to betting giant Paddy Power, with its bid ranking 33/1 in 14th place. However, at the time of writing (Wednesday evening), it is joint fourth favourite at 16/1.
The favourite to host is Glasgow at 6/4, followed by Birmingham at 3/1, Belfast at 4/1 and Liverpool at 6/1. Darlington has not yet been added to the list.
Cities are required to meet certain criteria to host the Eurovision Song Contest, including having a venue which can accommodate around 10,000 spectators. Host cities must also be within easy reach of an international airport and have enough hotel accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, accredited journalists and spectators.
The Darlington Arena is a venue that would be eligible, as it is able to hold more than 25,000 spectators, comfortably above the Eurovision stipulations.
It will be up to the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to consider all official bids. After the meeting, officials said the bid would also be supported by a programme to “respect and celebrate” Ukraine and its people.
A shortlist of potential locations is set to be revealed on BBC Radio 2 on Friday. After the meeting, the mayor said it would be a “huge honour” for the region to host the event in place of Ukraine given the conflict.
Mr Houchen added: “We may be the underdogs that people frequently underestimate but we’ve consistently proven them wrong by securing the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, the Rugby League World Cup 2021, and a raft of international music stars. Whatever the outcome, our bid sets out our stall and shows we have the ambition, facilities, and vision to do things a few years ago we wouldn’t have even thought about.
“Newcastle has also entered a bid, in which they highlighted the importance of Teesside Airport’s regional and international connectivity as a reason for them to secure the event – highlighting the importance of it.
“If successful, this will help us develop even closer relationships with Ukraine and its communities, while highlighting all our region has to offer on an international stage. “Ultimately, though, if we are successful, we’ll deliver a fantastic show that our area, the entire country and – most importantly – Ukraine can be proud of.”
Darlington Council leader Cllr Jonathan Dulston also hailed the “exciting news”. The Tory leader added: “I know that Darlington is perfectly suited to host this global event and though I am well aware that it is an outside shot I think we have a very strong case.
“The airport, the town, and the people make Darlington the perfect place to step up and act as a substitute to Eurovision’s rightful home in Ukraine.”
Where do you think the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 should be held? Let us know!
Read next:
Newcastle confirms Eurovision hosting bid days before shortlist of cities is revealed
Eurovision host city odds 'rule out' Newcastle as bid is officially confirmed
Graham Norton 'dead cert' to be Eurovision presenter as UK confirmed to host
Eurovision's Sam Ryder makes powerful promise to Ukraine as UK confirmed to host next year
UK confirmed to host Eurovision 2023 with Newcastle in mix to host
