The Northern contenders to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023
11.08.2022 - 14:39
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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By ROB PARSONS - August 11 2022
It might not be their normal choice of morning listening but Northern leaders will likely have their dial switched to BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show tomorrow when the shortlist is announced for the host of next year's Eurovision Song Contest .
The UK was given the chance to host Eurovision for the ninth time as organisers decided the event cannot be held in war-torn Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
And with towns and cities invited to bid for the honour of hosting the major international event next May, it would probably be easier to list those which haven't put themselves forward.
The six-strong Northern contingent includes Darlington, after Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen revealed the bid at a scrutiny meeting yesterday .
He said later: “We may be the underdogs that people frequently underestimate but we’ve consistently proven them wrong by securing the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, the Rugby League World Cup 2021, and a raft of international music stars. Whatever the outcome, our bid sets out our stall and shows we have the ambition, facilities, and vision to do things a few years ago we wouldn’t have even thought about."
Sheffield City Council was also among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: “We’ve told Eurovision we’d love to host… watch this space.” Leeds City Council said it makes “total sense” for it to host next year as Leeds is the city of culture for 2023. The host city is expected to be announced by the