Newcastle's dream of holding the Eurovision Song Contest is a step closer as the UK has now been confirmed as the host country.
Ukraine won the 2022 contest, which usually means it would host the following year's event. But the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine means it is not able to commit to holding Eurovision 2023.
As the UK's Sam Ryder finished second, it will host the competition on behalf of Ukraine. Several cities have expressed an interest, including Newcastle.
Read more: Why Newcastle would be the perfect fit for Eurovision as city bids to host contest
The European Broadcasting Union and BBC confirmed today that the 2023 contest will definitely be held in the UK.
Tim Davie, BBC Director General said: "It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.
"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023."
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries described the opportunity as a "privilege". She Tweeted: "It’s official. Eurovision is coming to the UK. This is Ukraine’s Eurovision and it’s an absolute privilege and honour for the UK to be supporting our friends."
Newcastle City Council confirmed earlier in July that it is looking into preparing a bid to hold the contest on Tyneside. Coun Alex Hay, the council’s cabinet member responsible for tourism, said: “Newcastle is a welcoming, well-connected and ambitious city with a proven track record of staging world class events.
“Obviously it would be wonderful to host Eurovision and we believe that Newcastle would be a perfect host city. We are looking forward to hearing more about the bidding process and are already working with partners to explore the opportunity.”
Host cities must have a 10,000 seat venue, be within easy reach of an international airport and have enough hotel rooms for 2,000 people. Newcastle can meet those requirements.
But it faces competition from Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swindon and Wolverhampton. Eurovision says the host city bidding will officially launch this week.
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