Newcastle officials and locals have reacted in sadness to the city being taken out of the running to host the Eurovision Song Contest, after the shortlist was cut to two, leaving just Glasgow and Liverpool.
Newcastle was among seven cities on the shortlist when it was revealed last month, alongside final two Glasgow and Liverpool and others to have missed out now: Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. Bookies never really rated Newcastle's chances, with slim odds on Tyneside even making the first cut, let alone being successful with the bid.
Despite that, there was plenty of optimism surrounding Newcastle's chances on home turf, with a promotional video used to highlight the city's bid, showing it all its glory as it invited Eurovision bosses to 'come on over to our place.' Sadly, Newcastle's efforts to land the event have now fallen on deaf ears, with the news tha t only Glasgow and Liverpool will advance through to the final reckon.
READ MORE: Eurovision blow for Newcastle as host city shortlist cut to two before final decision
Diplomatic in defeat, Cabinet member for a Resilient City, Cllr Alex Hay, said: “Naturally I am very disappointed. Right from the very start our residents, businesses and communities have come together to get behind our campaign, and I couldn't have been prouder with our efforts, and I would like to thank them all for their amazing efforts.
“Newcastle was a strong contender throughout the process, but I take my hat off to Liverpool and Glasgow the two shortlisted cities and I wish them all the very best.
“I am sure I speak on behalf of the city when I say Newcastle wishes them both good luck. This isn't the end of Newcastle's Eurovision journey. We'll be hosting all sorts of events in the city to celebrate Eurovision and Ukrainian culture which residents and visitors can get involved in.”
Newcastle Gateshead Initiative delivered the bid on behalf of Newcastle City Council and NGI's Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Green, said; "Congratulations to Glasgow and Liverpool who both remain contenders to host an amazing Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Working with BBC, Newcastle City Council, and partners it has been an incredible opportunity to showcase the city and the brilliant people who call our region home.
"I know we demonstrated the warmth of our welcome, and our spirit of collaboration to the best of our ability. This really was a region-wide effort and being a shortlisted host city has enabled us to tell the North East’s story nationally and internationally. “I am immensely proud of the city and would welcome more opportunities of this scale.
"As well as having a great feel-good factor, events and conferences are significant to the local economy, helping fill hotels and restaurants and creating jobs. As a region we are continuing to invest in this sector and we look forward to the opportunities created by the £300m+ brand-new international conference centre, The Sage, on Gateshead Quays which will enable us to welcome more visitors, international events, and further investment."
Locals have also been quick to react to Newcastle's Eurovision hopes being dashed. One tweeted: "gutted! - still think Newcastle was the best choice!" A second posted: "Not that I watch Eurovision but if Newcastle had been in the running we would have put on a night to remember and it would have brought in a lot of revenue for our city and surrounding areas!"
A third commented: "Knew it was never gunna happen, but still gutted Newcastle isn’t gunna host Eurovision. Imagine the atmosphere in town man," with a fourth despondent Geordie conceded: "No suprise in Newcastle not being in the final running for the Eurovision song contest. We just don't have the right infrastructure which is a shame.."
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