Sheffield is one of seven cities, out of 20 who expressed interest, shortlisted as host for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
Eurovision organisers confirmed that the UK would host on behalf of Ukraine last month and Sheffield, in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, submitted a phase 1 bid to be host.
Sheffield has been shortlisted to apply for the next stage along with Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.
Cllr Martin Smith, economic development and skills policy committee chair, said: “It’s fantastic news that we have been shortlisted to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
“We’re working with our partners across the region on the next stage of the bidding process. It’s an exciting step closer in our collaboration on this, and we plan to work with our Ukrainian communities and partners, bringing cultures together in solidarity.
“We know that Sheffield can put on a fantastic show and deliver international events at the highest level. With support from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham we can bring communities and cultures together on a larger scale and really show Europe what we have here in South Yorkshire.
“As with all potential host cities, we are thinking carefully about the next steps and taking time to consider the details. We expect the bidding process to be complete in Autumn.”
South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Crack open the bucks fizz, Eurovision are making their minds up – and the only correct choice is Sheffield and South Yorkshire! I’ve previously said that Sheffield seemed the obvious choice to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, you’d have to be a spaceman not to.
“But I will say it again – we have the venues, the heritage, the track record and the passion that Eurovision deserves in such an important year for the contest, that would be held in solidarity with our friends and partners in Ukraine.”
