Newcastle is interested in becoming a host city during Eurovision 2023 - however no bid has yet been announced.
On Monday, it was confirmed that the UK would host the Eurovision Song Contest next year. Ukraine won the 2022 contest in May, which usually means it would host the following year's event.
However the war-torn country is not able to commit to holding Eurovision 2023 due to the invasion by Russia. As Sam Ryder finished second in the contest, the UK will host the competition on behalf of Ukraine.
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It will be the ninth time Eurovision has taken place in the UK – more than any other country.
Newcastle has already showed an interest in bidding for the opportunity to become a host city. Earlier this month, Newcastle City Council confirmed they were "looking forward" to hearing more about the bidding process.
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."
Chronicle Live contacted the local authority to ask about their position following the European Broadcasting Union and BBC's confirmation that the contest will definitely be held in the UK. However they said they had nothing further to add at this stage.
The bidding process to select the host city will begin this week and will be jointly managed by the BBC and EBU. Any winner would require a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.
London, Manchester and Sheffield are among the cities offering to host the competition in the UK. Sheffield City Council was among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: "We’ve told Eurovision we’d love to host… watch this space."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan posted on Twitter: "It's very disappointing for Ukraine that they will be unable to host Eurovision next year. London is ready and willing to step in. We would be honoured to put on a contest that celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain".
Manchester City Council confirmed it was also putting in a bid, with its leader Bev Craig tweeting: "A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK’s largest Ukrainian populations – we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember."
Glasgow also previously expressed an interest in hosting the contest with the city’s OVO Hydro arena saying it would be "delighted" to be involved in discussions. In June, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also backed the city to host, tweeting: "I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!"
Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at this year’s competition in Turin, Italy, with the UK’s Sam Ryder the runner-up. Ryder topped the jury vote before Kalush Orchestra went on to win overall.
Ukraine had been the frontrunners since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February – which prompted organisers to ban the Russian entrant from competing. A symbolic show of public support which saw them soar to first place with 631 points.
The country will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the so-called big five nations – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.
Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision’s executive supervisor, said: "We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023. "The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.
"Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event."
The EBU’s decision in June to rule out Ukraine as the 2023 host prompted its culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko to issue a statement "demanding to change the decision". Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC also expressed its "disappointment" at the time and called on all parties to "hold further negotiations".
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC, said next year’s contest "will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine". He added: “We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us. I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would "put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends". He said that in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week they "agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine". He added: "As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly – and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends."
In a statement, BBC director-general Tim Davie said: "The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity."
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "As hosts, the UK will honour the competition’s spirit and diversity, and, most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraine’s recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity."
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