The bids to host Eurovision 2023 are coming in thick and fast, with a new name now being added to the race! The Northern Echo has announced that Darlington in County Durham has bid to hold the event when it comes to the UK in 2023.
Darlington confirm Eurovision 2023 host city bid
Darlington is the latest town to express interest in hosting the contest, with a bid supported by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen.
“The tragic and shocking conflict that continues to this day in Ukraine has wide-reaching consequences, but Eurovision 2022 galvanised international support and it would be a huge honour for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool – which also stand in solidarity with the country and its people – to host the event their place.
We may be the underdogs that people frequently underestimate but we’ve consistently proven them wrong by securing the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Rugby League World Cup 2021, and a raft of international music stars.
Whatever the outcome, our bid sets out our stall and shows we have the ambition, facilities and vision to do things a few years ago we wouldn’t have even thought about.”
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor
Houchen also expressed the importance of Ukraine’s influence on the show.
“If successful, this will help us develop even closer relationships with Ukraine and its communities, while highlighting all our region has to offer on an international stage. Ultimately, though, if we are successful, we’ll deliver a fantastic show that our area, the entire country and – most importantly – Ukraine can be proud of.”
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor
About Darlington’s bid
Not much is known about Darlington’s bid to host the contest so far, including where they intend to host the event. However, one choice may be the Darlington Arena, home to Darlington Mowden Rugby Union team. The venue boasts an impressive seating capacity of 25,000, and has been used for concerts by major artists such as Elton John, Tom Jones and A-Ha. The one thing it doesn’t boast is a roof – could they put one in place for April next year?
Darlington is situated near Tees Valley International Airport, as well as along major train lines in the UK. Not much is known about how many hotel rooms they might have, but nearby Durham and York may be able to pick up some of the tourists and delegations if needed!
Which cities are in the running to host Eurovision 2023
The following cities have confirmed that they will be bidding to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest:
The following cities have publicly stated that they are intending or interested in submitting a bid to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest:
It has been reported, that the shortlisted cities for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be revealed on the 12th of August at the Breakfast Show hosted by Zoe Ball, which airs between 07:30-10:30CEST on BBC Radio 2.
Would you like to see Darlington host Eurovision in 2023? Which city do you think will be successful in its bid? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tik-Tok as we gear up for Eurovision 2023!
News Source: The Northern Echo
Photo Credit: Homes By Esh
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