Eurovision: Sheffield climbs chart in race to host Song Contest in 2023

The Steel City is up to third in a poll of places people think should stage the huge event.

Excitement has been building since the UK was officially announced as host country due to the war in Ukraine.

It comes as the city’s reputation for events soars after successfully hosting women’s Euro football matches - including a semi-final which saw England beat Sweden in front of 29,000 people at Bramall Lane.

Fan site Eurovisionworld.com is running a poll asking: ‘Which UK cities have what it takes to host?’ and gives details of 16.

On Tuesday, Sheffield ranked 7th, today it is third. More than 40,000 people have voted.

Coun Abtisam Mohamed tweeted: “We're currently third! Come on Sheffield! We're a welcoming friendly City. We can do this! Get your votes in”

@Thingymajig1 responded: “Let's build on the brilliant reputation and energy created by hosting the Lionesses and the other European ladies football teams.”

And Ljubica wrote: “I live in the South but I would be happy with Sheffield. Good luck.”

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It comes after Coun Ben Miskell got in early with a tweet on June 17: “Hello Europe. This is Sheffield calling. In solidarity with our twinned city of Donetsk we stand ready to host #Eurovision.”

Eurovisionworld’s entry for Sheffield states: “With a green area of 61 per cent, Sheffield could also host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

“Councillors have already launched a campaign for the city to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine and, in fact, the Sheffield Arena could serve the purpose as it has a capacity for 13,600 people.

“The transportation network is also versatile and the closest airport – Doncaster Sheffield Airport – is 29 km away from the city centre.”

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To be selected, a city must have an arena capable of holding 10,000, access to international travel and accommodation for 2,000 delegates, accredited journalists and visitors.

Sheffield is also twinned with the Ukrainian city of Donetsk which has been hit by Russian shells and missiles.

Ukraine won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with folk-rap band Kalush Orchestra, but due to the ongoing war following Russia’s invasion, it will not be able to host next year’s competition.

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