After talk of the city throwing its hat into the ring to host the competition, Newcastle is officially bidding to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest.
But far from being some crazy idea that could never happen and bookies 'ruling out' Newcastle with their odds, there is absolutely no reason why the world famous event could not be held on Tyneside. If organisers are after a vibrant location, full of passion, history, culture and a love for music, they really have no reason to look any further than Newcastle.
That's before I even mention the fact that the Geordie natives would give the acts from across the continent the warmest welcome and happily point them in the direction of the nearest Greggs for some much needed subsidence between rehearsals.
While the Eurovision Song Contest is still, quite wrongly, regarded as a bit of a joke and something to poke fun at by its critics, the stats don't lie and an audience of around 10 million watched this year's final in the UK alone as our representative Sam Ryder pulled off the unthinkable and actually did VERY well, coming second to only red hot favourites Ukraine on the leaderboard.
READ MORE: Eurovision host city odds 'rule out' Newcastle as bid is officially confirmed
After the Kalush Orchestra's victory for Ukraine, it was decided, with a heavy heart, that the war torn country couldn't keep with tradition and stage next year's contest. And, as soon as that news was broken and it was confirmed that the UK would pick up the baton, speculation was rife on where it could take place, and it's now been confirmed that the shortlist of cities will be announced on the morning on Friday, August 12.
But sorry guys, while Glasgow, Belfast and Birmingham are the bookies favourites. now that Newcastle is also in contention, there really is no competition
It's the best city in the world
We'll get the obvious, but slightly biased one out of the way first. Why wouldn't you pick Newcastle? The people are second to none and so proud of the city, which itself is stunning, with so much to offer and the atmosphere, should it get Eurovision, would be absolutely buzzing.
And imagine the shots of the Tyne and Millennium Bridges lit up in all their splendour being beamed to millions upon millions of viewers throughout Europe - magic!
The representatives from each country would have a ball getting to experience all the sights and sounds of the Toon, with many getting the chance to tick off that famous Geordie rite of passage - trying their pint of Newcy Brown and Greggs sausage roll!
Rich music history
As well as the fact that Newcastle is widely regarded as one of the number 1 places to party in the UK, it is also a city with music in its foundations, from Sting to Sam Fender and Lindisfarne to Mark Knopfler. Let's just think for a moment how epic it would be to hear Local Hero blasting out as Eurovision cameras cut to breath-taking shots of the Tyne Bridge, Quayside, Grey's Monument and the Angel of the North.
Transport links
Emotions aside, on a logistical level, the city has great transport links with a train station and airport, has plenty of hotels to house the delegations from each competing country, and, of course, plenty of bars and restaurants for them to unwind in and perhaps toast a victory, we all know that Geordie hospitality is second to none!
A clear love for Eurovision
And for those concerned that the people of Newcastle wouldn't embrace Eurovision, may I present to you exhibit A, the video at the top of this article of hundreds of people packing out a dedicated Fan Zone for this year's final in the heart of the city; the second sold out event of its kind in the space of 12 months and one of, if not the biggest in the UK.
Flags were held aloft and chants rang out in scenes that were reminiscent of the Euros a year earlier as dedicated fans cheered on Sam Ryder with every inch of their being, as well as dressing up as icons of Eurovision pasts and present.
Ready made hosts in Ant and Dec
In addition to plenty of debate about where could host Eurovision next year, potential hosts have also proven to be be a big talking point. On that score, I have just three words for you....Ant and Dec. They are the best presenters on TV (their CVs and trophy cabinets do not lie!) and being Eurovision hosts would be another huge moment in their already illustrious career.
I'm sure I'm not the only one whose life would be made upon hearing those magical words: "Good evening Europe...and welcome to Newcastle!"
The people, the passion and even the pease pudding - come on Europe, you know it makes sense!
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