The UK is set to host next year’s Eurovision after the organisers decided it could not be held in the winning country due to the ongoing war. And, Yorkshire cities are already vying for the opportunity to host with the likes of Leeds, Sheffield and York all throwing their hats in the ring.
The UK has previously hosted the Eurovision eight times and was picked due to Sam Ryder’s stellar performance of Space Man, which garnered him a second place position in the competition.
As well as Yorkshire’s cities, several others have already shown their willingness to host the popular event including Manchester and London.
The EBU has said that the host venue would need to be able to accommodate around 10,000 spectators, be within reach of international airports, and have enough hotels to accommodate at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and spectators.
Leeds City Council and First Direct Arena have been in touch with the government and the BBC to discuss the possibility of holding Eurovision in West Yorkshire city.
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Leeds City Council Leader James Lewis and Jonathan Pryor the council’s executive member for economy and culture said the competition “could not come at a better time”, The Yorkshire Evening Press reveals.
“Together with ASM Global, the operators of the first direct arena in Leeds, we have already been in touch with both the Government and the BBC to discuss our plans.
“Leeds has already proved that it has the capability and capacity to host major international events and ASM Global successfully hosted Eurovision in the Avicii Arena, Stockholm Sweden in 2016.
“Given that we will be mid-way through the Leeds 2023 year of culture, it could not come at a better time.
“We are extremely disappointed that Ukraine will be unable to host in 2023, but it would be an honour to host on behalf of them, especially given that West Yorkshire is home to a large number of Ukrainians.
“If we are successful with our bid, we will be looking to get the local Ukrainian community involved with our plans as much as possible.”
The bidding process to decide the city which will hold the event starts this week and the BBC and EBU will consider all official bids.
Watch Sam Ryder’s Runner-up Performance Below:
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