Leeds will “actively pursue” hosting Eurovision next year after it was revealed the song contest could be held in the UK.
The BBC is currently in talks with The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to potentially host the competition in 2023 after it was decided it couldn’t go ahead in Ukraine due to the ongoing war.
Folklore rap group, Kalush Orchestra, representing Ukraine, won the competition in Turin, Italy last month and it is tradition for the winning country hosts the event the following year.
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The EBU has said that it is beginning discussions with the BBC to potentially host the event in 2023 as they were the runners up. The BBC and the Government have welcomed the move to host the competition next year.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council and Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy and culture have issued a statement stating "it would be an honour" to host the competition on behalf of Ukraine.
They said: “It goes without saying that Leeds will be bidding to host Eurovision in 2023. 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.”
Downing Street welcomed the possibility of the UK hosting Eurovision if Ukraine cannot, pledging to ensure it would “overwhelmingly reflect Ukraine’s rich culture, heritage and creativity”.
A No 10 spokesman said: “Ukraine’s victory in the Eurovision song contest was richly deserved and as the rightful winner the Government’s firm wish has been to see next year’s contest hosted there.
“If the EBU decides the competition can’t go ahead in Ukraine we would of course welcome the opportunity to work closely with Ukraine and the BBC to host it here in the UK.
“But we would be committed to ensuring it overwhelmingly reflects Ukraine’s rich culture, heritage and creativity, as well as building on the ongoing partnership between our two countries.”
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