Newcastle bids to host Eurovision 2023

Newcastle City Council has announced today (8 August) that Newcastle will officially be bidding to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. The announcement follows a flurry of excitement as cities across the UK throw their hats in to the ring to become the next host of this international competition.

The UK offered to host Eurovision 2023 as runners up with Sam Ryder’s hit ‘Spaceman’. after it was confirmed that 2022 winners, Ukraine, would be unable to host the competition next year due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

Newcastle is up against competition from towns and cities across the UK including, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and London.

NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) is delivering the bid on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Ian Thomas, Destination Director at NGI, said: “Our bid is a region-wide effort with support from our local authorities, and public and private sector partners from across the North East as we recognise the enormity of this opportunity.

“The potential impact of Newcastle hosting Eurovision 2023 is phenomenal. Eurovision will play a significant role in rejuvenating and sustaining our visitor economy, supporting our businesses and creating an even better place for our residents.”

“Eurovision will be on an even bigger scale, and we welcome this fantastic opportunity to bring this to the region.”

Cllr Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council, said: “We’re committed to making Newcastle a better place for our residents and visitors, and hosting Eurovision will be a crucial tool in achieving that.