Anthony Foster / Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne / CC BY-SA 2.0

The Utilita Arena Newcastle has a capacity of 11,000 and hosted global acts including Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. And now city officials have confirmed they hope to welcome a few more stars to the city. Newcastle is officially bidding to host Eurovision 2023.

City Councillor Alex Hay of the Newcastle City Council stressed to The Chronicle that the city wants to show support for Ukraine, which can’t host the contest because of Russia’s ongoing war.

“We are delighted to be bidding to host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with its people. We are collaborating with partners across the region to help make this a reality for Newcastle, to do Ukraine proud and to embody everything that Eurovision stands for.”

“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.”

“It will not only showcase the city and its incredible people on a global stage, but it will have a tangible social and economic impact in bringing financial investment into the city, helping change perceptions of the North East, and build a lasting legacy for our city.”

“We are a certified City of Sanctuary, which strengthens our message that everyone is welcome here. Music is a big part of our heritage and it’s time for us to write a new verse in that history.

“We are Newcastle, we are a safe city, famous for our Geordie welcome, we stand united with Ukraine – and we are the perfect host for Eurovision 2023.”

Winning the right to host Eurovision is mostly about being able to host a good show for the world. But the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the regional marketing agency, was keen to emphasise how the city will benefit.

The group’s Destination Director, Ian Thomas, said:

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to welcome a huge number of international visitors, performers and media to the North East of England and to showcase our world- class culture, rich heritage and vibrant region to the world.”

“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.”

He also pointed out how hosting the European Professional Rugby Club finals in 2019 brought nearly 100,000 fans to the region, pumping £24m into the local economy.

Do you think Newcastle is in with a shot? What are your favourite parts of the city? Let us know in the comments box below!

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Philip
Philip
1 year ago

I certainly hope Newcastle is successful in its bid. Is the arena the largest? – No Is it in the city centre – Yes! Is the city easy to get around – Yes! Did the city host the largest Eurovision party in 2022 – Yes Does the city have an airport – Yes Enough hotel space – Yes Good public transport system – Yes the Tyne and Wear Metro along with connections to the National Rail system which good services to London and Edinburgh Does the city have a ferry link to the continent _ Yes, the city has a… Read more »

Emilie
Emilie
1 year ago
Reply to  Philip

Very well put!

American ESC FAN
American ESC FAN
1 year ago

OT: Olivia Newton John, UK 1974, has officially passed away 🙁

Dennis Kinghorn
Dennis Kinghorn
1 year ago

As a Geordie, I’ll be rooting for Newcastle to host.

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago

Saw this at first glance and thought you said ‘not a great venue’!

ILPIESC
ILPIESC
1 year ago

Tbh, I am rooting for everything outside England, I want Glasgow the most

Offft
Offft
1 year ago
Reply to  ILPIESC

It’s a shame Edinburgh doesn’t have the Hydro as while it’s a great venue, Glasgow if you ask me if a bit of a meh city, Edinburgh on the other hand is such a beautiful place. I was rooting for Cardiff tbh but now they’ve pulled out I actually think Newcastle would be a great host city, big enough venue, the airport serves a lot of places plus direct trains from Manchester airport if that’s easier for some people to fly too. Plus the people are imo the most friendly overall in England anyways. Oh and I’m pretty sure after… Read more »

Sam
Sam
1 year ago
Reply to  Offft

I thought Glasgow was a Meh city till I started spending time in it. Its such a fun city, its a welcoming and open city and it’s actually a nice city to be in. The people are so friendly in Glasgow, and tbh it’s close enough to Edinburgh that you can get the benefit of both cities in one!

Emilie
Emilie
1 year ago

Newcastle would be a fantastic host city. If their new venue was up and running we’d definitely be talking about them as much as Glasgow or Manchester.
Eurofans would be made to feel very welcome in Newcastle. Hope they’re on the shortlist ?

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Emilie

They seem great. The UK honestly has a ton of worthy candidates, which is why I’ve been so excited about them hosting. They have so many venues that would be perfect for Eurovision, and until this year, it looked like any of them actually hosting Eurovision would remain only a pipe dream. But now here we are!