Newcastle shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023
Written by Callum Rowe on 12th August 2022
Newcastle has made the shortlist of seven UK cities that could host the 2023 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
British broadcaster BBC is organising next year’s contest in the UK after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stripped Ukraine of the right to host due to the ongoing conflict in the country..
Brimingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield are the other six cities to have made the shortlist.
The BBC said that the seven shortlisted cities were able to demonstrate they have “the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.”
NewcastleGateshead Initiative officially launched the city’s bid on Monday on behalf of Newcastle City Council after declaring interest earlier in the summer.
Coun Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council said: “I am thrilled we’ve been shortlisted and thank everyone – the businesses, the hotels and partners who have worked so hard with us.
“Now the next stage of this exciting journey begins, bringing Eurovision to Newcastle and putting the city on the international stage.”
Newcastle’s bid is based on the event being held in the 11,000 seater Utilita Arena.
The next stage of the process involves the seven shortlisted cities enhancing their individual bids to show that they can meet certain criteria, including:
- Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Eurovision Song Contest
- The commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution
- The strength of the cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music
- Alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster, such as providing value to all audiences and supporting the creative economy in the UK
The final decision on which city will be selected as next year’s host city will be made by the BBC and the EBU in the autumn based on which city or region scores highest against the aforementioned criteria.
