Newcastle has been dealt a Eurovision blow just as city officials officially confirmed a bid to host the contest, with odds suggesting it is well out of the running to be successful or even make the shortlist.
After hinting last month that they'd consider throwing their hat in the ring to take on the world famous event, it was announced early on Monday morning, that a Eurovision bid had been made.
NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) is delivering the bid on behalf of the Council and, revealing the plans, the group's 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.
READ MORE : Newcastle officially confirms bid to host Eurovision next year
“Our bid is a region-wide effort with support from our local authorities, and public and private sector partners from across the North East as we recognise the enormity of this opportunity.
“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."
However, whilst the announcement that Newcastle had entered the race sparked great excitement amongst locals, bookmakers don't think Newcastle is in with a shot of landing the contest, ahead of the shortlist being announced on Radio 2 on Friday morning.
At the time of writing, late on Monday morning, early favourite Glasgow still led the way in the betting with Paddy Power on odds of 5/4.
Belfast has now come into the running on 17/10, with Birmingham on 15/8 and Liverpool on 5/1. Manchester is at 11/2, while London has seen its odds slip to 16./1.
Newcastle is in 14th spot on the list on odds of 33/1, the same being offered for Dundee and Sheffield.
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