Manchester and Liverpool are two of a number of UK cities to register interest in hosting the Eurovision song contest in 2023.
It was announced on Thursday that the BBC is in talks with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to potentially host next year's showpiece in the UK after it was decided that it would not be safe to hold the event in Ukraine because of Russia's ongoing invasion of the country.
This year, UK entrant Sam Ryder topped the jury vote, but came second to Ukraine rap-folk band, Kalush Orchestra.
READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter
Whilst the winning country is typically asked to host the following year's event, the EBU said that it had carried out a study with Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC and external specialists, amid the conflict, confirming that the "security and operational guarantees" required to host the event cannot be fulfilled in the war-torn country.
If the UK does indeed take charge of next year's contest, cities would to have to match a number of criteria specified by Eurovision organisers to be in contention to host the event.
The chosen venue would need to accommodate around 10,000 spectators, be within easy reach of an international airport and have enough hotel accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and spectators.
The Liverpool Echo has rounded up a list of potential UK cities that could make a bid to host the event.
Liverpool
Director of Culture Liverpool Claire McColgan described the city and Eurovision as a "perfect match".
Of course, Liverpool has long been a place synonymous with music, and the 11,000-capacity M&S Bank Arena fits the bill for the size of venue stipulated by event organisers.
The Echo reported yesterday that the city would make a "serious case" for holding the contest in plans backed by Mayor Joanne Anderson.
Mayor Anderson said: "We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and would like the opportunity for Liverpool to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and in doing so pay tribute to their wonderful country.
"We are an events city and no one can stage a party like us. Culture is synonymous with Liverpool and we tick all the boxes to be next year's host - great venues, enviable experience, a world-renowned music heritage, UNESCO City of Music status and of course the warm Scouse welcome that just can't be beaten."
Manchester
Down the M62, Manchester has already voiced interest to host the contest. Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, has said she "can't think of anywhere better" to play host to Europe.
She tweeted: "Hello BBC Eurovision, this is Manchester calling. Not the circumstances that anyone would want given the war in Ukraine. But if it's to be a UK city - I can't think of anywhere better, a great music city and fittingly home to a large Ukrainian community."
Manchester does indeed have the biggest Ukrainian population outside London, and Eurovision organisers have said it is their "full intention that Ukraine's win will be reflected in next year's shows".
The city certainly has the capacity to host, with its 21,000-capacity AO Arena as the biggest indoor venue in the UK. There is also the 10,900-capacity Manchester Central.
With Salford, in Greater Manchester, also becoming the BBC's Eurovision HQ this year, the city has a pretty strong case for hosting the event.
Glasgow
The hit 2020 Netflix film 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga' saw a fictionalised version of the contest take place at the OVO Hydro arena.
And now First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has proposed the 14,300 capacity venue as a possible host for next year's contest.
We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn't possible.However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!! @scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC@EBU_HQ and others
London
The capital, of course, seems like the obvious location for Eurovision should the UK be chosen to host.
London has the biggest Ukrainian population in the UK, and the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena and 12,500-capacity OVO Wembley Arena have played host to an array of major events.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted that the city "would welcome Eurovision with open arms", adding: "We're ready to step up and support Ukraine by hosting a contest that pays tribute to and honours the Ukrainian people, and also celebrates the very best of Britain too."
Birmingham
Birmingham was the last place to host Eurovision in the UK. Whilst that was back in 1998, next year the city will have had recent experience of hosting a major international event, following this summer's Commonwealth Games.
The Utilita Arena and the Resorts World Arena each have capacities of around 16,000, and therefore could both come into contention.
A statement for Birmingham City Council said it was "always open to exploring further opportunities to showcase Birmingham on the international stage".
It added: "We are therefore open to working with the UK government and other stakeholders to investigate the potential for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest."
Cardiff
Cardiff's Principality Stadium can hold 70,000 and Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff West, suggested that the roof could be closed in order to break the record for the highest ever European attendance
He wrote on Twitter: "Clearly Eurovision should be held at the Principality Stadium (roof closed) Cardiff with 70,000 partygoers - no brainer."
Belfast, Leeds and Aberdeen have also thrown their hats into the ring.
