With the official news that the UK will be hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, many people have begun to wonder if Cardiff could host the amazing show. Known for putting on a great show and atmosphere for the rugby and with award-winning artists including Ed Sheeran and Tom Jones frequently filling out the Principality Stadium, many are asking why not Cardiff?
It is easy to feel like the Principality Stadium, which can hold over 70,000 people, was built for events with as much excitement and prominence as the Eurovision Song Contest. Cardiff Council is already working 'to see what can be done' to bag the show for Cardiff.
But what do the people of Cardiff think? Do they think the famous singing competition should be coming to the capital? The answer is a resounding yes - but some fear the city wouldn't be able to cope.
READ MORE: The big names backing Cardiff to host Eurovision 2023
We spoke to the people of Cardiff, asking 'Should Cardiff host the Eurovision Song Contest?" and not one person said no. Everyone we spoke to was totally supportive of the show possibly being hosted in Cardiff.
Arthur Hobbs, who is 88 and from Cardiff, hailed Cardiff as 'the land of song'. He said: "As it is the land of the song I think it should have a good chance of winning." He also agreed that hosting the Eurovision Song Contest would put Cardiff on the map, adding: "If it isn't already on there, mind!"
18-year-old Naomi Round from Cardiff believes Cardiff deserves the chance to welcome the show. She said: "Cardiff is a big city and not a lot of people actually know about us and I think it is a really nice city as well. Bigger cities like London get more of the focus and I think it would give us more focus around the world."
Lynne Roberts, who is 69 and from Ely, thinks the show would be a big boost to the city. She said: "I think we should, we are the capital city of Wales, why not? It would bring a lot of trade into the city like the rugby matches do, it generates millions of pounds and we need that! And it is a lovely city."
Mum and son, Christa, 36, and Harley Williams, eight who are from Blaenavon, both agreed that Cardiff should host the show. Christa said: "We love Eurovision and we would love to see it here!"
55-year-old Alan Davies, from Gilfach Goch, believes Cardiff has "everything you need" to host the Eurovision. He said: "It is a cracking city for starters. You have everything you need in the centre. We host plenty of events, musicals, rugby, football."
The BBC has accepted an invitation to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the Ukrainian broadcaster, UA: PBC creating "a ceremony that reflects Ukraine’s victory in Turin in May, 2022, as well as showcasing the UK’s vibrant music scene." But how will the host city be decided? A bidding process will take place to be completed by the autumn, and early signs show that the Welsh Government will be looking at trying its hand.
It has led to plenty of speculation and excitement among fans of the contest here in Wales and, although many want the city to host the event, many have been quick to pour cold water over the suitability of Cardiff as a host for such a major occasion. Discussing the news on WalesOnline's Facebook page, many have shared their thoughts, including Kirsty Richards, who wrote: "Cardiff couldn’t cope with this level of event. Ed Sheeran completely blocked the M4 when he came. As much as I would love to see Cardiff host this it just can’t cope I’m afraid."
Liane Elms wrote: "Never going to happen. That's been proven time and time again. Not enough hotels, poor infrastructure and useless transport links." And Sue Lawford wrote: "No thank you. No-one who lives in or near Cardiff wants this. Ask residents - recent big events have caused absolute chaos."
Sophie Marie wrote: "Cardiff just won’t cope with the amount of visitors, it’s crazy enough on match days never mind having the crowds Eurovision will bring." Dorian Davies agreed, adding: "As much as I would love to see us having something like this, let's be realistic, the city grinds to a halt during graduation ceremonies, what happens when a big chunk of Europe all turn up?"
READ NEXT:
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- Welsh Government 'remains open' to hosting Eurovision 2023 in Wales
- Eurovision star blew £100,000 gambling on his iPad during gigs and locked in hotel rooms
- Leader addresses doubts about Cardiff's ability to host Eurovision
- Cardiff's Principality Stadium says it would love to host Eurovision
