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Quayside, Newcastle at sunset

Newcastle

Newcastle was one of seven cities in the United Kingdom shortlisted to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. On Tuesday 27 September it was revealed that only Glasgow and Liverpool would remain in the race. The EBU thanked Newcastle and the other potential Host Cities for their enthusiastic, creative and high quality bids.

The successful Host City will be revealed in the Autumn by the BBC and the EBU.

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Howay man! Newcastle, in the North East of England, is well known for the 7 iconic bridges that cross the famous River Tyne and its Quayside - a diverse and vibrant part of the city. 

Newcastle natives are known as ‘Geordies’ and visitors will be charmed by their warm spirit in a city bursting with cultural offerings, an award-winning restaurant scene, excellent museums, and fabulous places to stay.

Newcastle, and the wider region, is steeped in heritage, with glorious coastline and plenty of iconic landmarks and attractions to explore, including the Angel of the North, Earl Grey atop his Grade II listed city centre Monument, and Newcastle Castle from which the city got its name.

Tyne Bridge
Tyne Bridge Peter Atkinson

And, of course, who can deny the pull of a ‘night on the Toon’? The city is renowned for its nightlife: from show-stopping theatre, comedy and live music, to clubs, cocktail bars and independent breweries.

Newcastle has an emerging, vibrant music scene with independent venues like The Cluny, Little Buildings and The Globe providing dedicated spaces for local artists to grow and develop. The neighbourhood of Ouseburn is a hub of culture and music with a plethora of venues, restaurants, breweries and art spaces which have reinvigorated this once industrial area of the city, without losing its gritty heritage.

Newcastle, and the surrounding area, can boast an impressive wealth of musical heritage, with many well known acts born locally including: Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys), Sting, Sam Fender, ex-Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Nail, Maximo Park, The Animals and, of course, Lindisfarne.

Ian Thomas, Destination Director at NGI (NewcastleGateshead Initiative), had this to say: 

‘As a region with collaborative and passionate people at its heart, we are already working with partners across all sectors to ensure we are able to deliver an exceptional event that celebrates Ukraine and its culture to its absolute best. 

Newcastle is a gateway to the rest of the UK, with an international airport, sea port, national rail links and excellent local transport. Along with our vast range of hotels, accommodation and hospitality offer, not to mention the famous Geordie welcome, the city is the perfect host destination. 

We’re ready to make Eurovision 2023 part of our collective, cultural history and create even stronger ties with our friends in Ukraine.’

 

Grey's Monument
Grey's Monument Graeme Peacock / Visit Britain

You can find out more about Newcastle and their bid on the NewcastleGateshead Initiative TwitterInstagramFacebook and website.

And don’t forget to sign up to the official Eurovision Song Contest newsletter and subscribe to our social media channels (YouTubeInstagramTikTokTwitter and Facebook) to be the first to find out how to secure tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.