If you're a fan of Eurovision you may want to tune in to BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show on Friday as the latest update on next year's event will be revealed. The Eurovision 2023 UK city shortlist will be announced during the radio broadcast on August 12, it has been reported.
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 66th song contest earlier this year in Italy. But it was confirmed at the end of July, that organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), had made the decision that it wouldn't be possible for Ukraine to host next year.
As the United Kingdom came second in the competition, thanks to Sam Ryder performing his hit "Space Man", the UK was given the chance to host on behalf of the Ukrainian broadcaster, UA: PBC. It will be the ninth time the song contest has been held in the UK.
The BBC have said the event will "celebrate the culture and heritage of Ukraine as the winners of the 2022 Contest, alongside the Eurovision’s proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music". Following the announcement, a number of UK cities have thrown their hat into the ring, launching their bid to host the iconic music competition.
Newcastle is the latest city to come forward with NewcastleGateshead Initiative delivering the bid on behalf of Newcastle City Council announcing the news on August 8. Its destination director Ian Thomas said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to welcome a huge number of international visitors, performers and media to the north east of England and to showcase our world-class culture, rich heritage and vibrant region to the world.
“The potential impact of Newcastle hosting Eurovision 2023 is phenomenal. Eurovision will play a significant role in rejuvenating and sustaining our visitor economy, supporting our businesses and creating an even better place for our residents."
Newcastle joins the likes of London, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, Aberdeen and Glasgow - who are all hoping they will be able to host the annual music competition. The host city for the 2023 event is expected to be announced by the autumn.
According to the BBC, who will make the selection alongside the EBU, the winner will be chosen following a two-stage process. The broadcaster says that "any potential candidates must meet a set of minimum standards that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity".
The 2023 competition will see Ukraine automatically qualify for the grand final as winners of the 2022 contest. They will be joined alongside the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.
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