Councillors in Northumberland have thrown their support behind neighbours in Newcastle in their bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest.
A few weeks after it was confirmed that the city had made the shortlist of potential hosts, members of Northumberland County Council unanimously agreed to back the bid and said it could have a hugely positive impact on the region as a whole.
Coun Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for adult wellbeing at the county council, tabled a motion at full council on Wednesday calling for Northumberland to back Newcastle.
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She said: " Newcastle City Council has made the shortlist to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Sadly due to the war in Ukraine they will be unable to host.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome a huge number of European visitors, performers and more to Newcastle. This would hugely benefit our county and we would be delighted to have European visitors explore our beautiful coastline and countryside.
"I propose that the leader writes to Newcastle City Council to offer support and good wishes."
Coun Georgina Hill reminded members that the contest also included countries from outside of Europe such as Australia, increasing the benefit it would bring. Members unanimously agreed to support the motion.
Newcastle is up against Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield, with Glasgow remaining the heavy favourite. However, there remains some hope that Newcastle will pull off what would be a remarkable coup for the North East.
Other councillors had already voiced their support for Newcastle's bid - but this is the first time the council has voted to officially back Eurovision heading to the region.
In August, council leader Glen Sanderson said: “The announcement that Newcastle has made the shortlist is really exciting news. The city is perfectly placed to host an event of this scale and profile with world class facilities and a wealth of experience in laying on many major events.
“Should the city be successful in its bid to bring the concert to the north-east – the economic benefits in terms of the visitor economy and the international media coverage that comes as part of hosting it will be felt across the region, including Northumberland.
"It would be a huge showcase for our beautiful county, and it would be great to welcome so many international visitors. I’m very glad that the city has been so positive and proactive to bid, and we support them completely.”
Coun Gordon Stewart added: "I sincerely hope the Newcastle bid is successful, as this would have major short and long-term benefits to our communities.
"Visitors will sample the many regional attractions and hopefully, return and tell their friends how wonderful our county is to live work, visit, learn or invest in. I would encourage everyone to get involved if the bid is successful, including all our businesses."
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