Newcastle's bid to stage the Eurovision Song Contest next year has been given a big boost by a glowing appraisal online which champions the city and the people in it.
A few weeks have now passed since it was confirmed that Newcastle had made the shortlist of potential UK host cities, after it was decided that the Ukraine wouldn't do the honours and the BBC agreed to take the event on for the United Kingdom, with Sam Ryder having finished second behind the Kalush Orchestra in Turin in May.
Newcastle made the cut alongside Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield and, while Glasgow remains the overwhelming favourite with bookies to get the Eurovision gig, Newcastle is clearly a place many people would love to see get the opportunity. And it's the subject of a very enthusiastic post on the contest's official Facebook page.
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The post, which went out on Wednesday morning, begins in true Geordie fashion, "Howay man," before adding: "Newcastle is well known for the 7 iconic bridges that cross the famous River Tyne and its warm spirited locals who charm visitors all year round."
We definitely agree with that final part and the Contest's assessment of Newcastle's credentials adds: "Newcastle natives are known as ‘Geordies’ and visitors will be charmed by their warm spirit in a city bursting with cultural offerings, an award-winning restaurant scene, excellent museums, and fabulous places to stay.
"Newcastle, and the wider region, is steeped in heritage, with glorious coastline and plenty of iconic landmarks and attractions to explore, including the Angel of the North, Earl Grey atop his Grade II listed city centre Monument, and Newcastle Castle from which the city got its name."
The piece on Newcastle also talks about Newcastle's vibrant music scene, with independent venues like The Cluny and Little Buildings at foundations to it, before also taking about the array of famous musicians from Tyneside, including Pet Shop Boys' legend Neil Tennant, Maximo Park, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Cheryl and man of the moment, Sam Fender.
At the time of writing, there'd been plenty of comments on Eurovision's Facebook post about Newcastle, with many fans declaring they'd love the city to host. One responded: "Even though I'm a true Southerner I have a big soft spot for Newcastle and the North East. The people are so friendly there and would be great hosts for Eurovision I think.."
Another big admirer of Newcastle wrote: "Hope they get it lovely people there," with a local follower joking: "Warm spirited locals Is definitely one way to describe us haha."
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