Newcastle officials and locals have reacted in sadness to the city being taken out of the running to host the Eurovision Song Contest, after the shortlist was cut to two, leaving just Glasgow and Liverpool.
Newcastle was among seven cities on the shortlist when it was revealed last month, alongside final two Glasgow and Liverpool and others to have missed out now: Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. Bookies never really rated Newcastle's chances, with slim odds on Tyneside even making the first cut, let alone being successful with the bid.
Despite that, there was plenty of optimism surrounding Newcastle's chances on home turf, with a promotional video used to highlight the city's bid, showing it all its glory as it invited Eurovision bosses to 'come on over to our place.' Sadly, Newcastle's efforts to land the event have now fallen on deaf ears, with the news tha t only Glasgow and Liverpool will advance through to the final reckon.
