Eurovision 2023: Sheffield will not host song contest as shortlist narrowed down to Liverpool or Glasgow

The Steel City was in the running to host the event at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in May in place of Ukraine.

But, sadly, a statement by the contest’s official Twitter account this afternoon has dashed Sheffield’s hopes.

"And then there were two…,” read the tweet.

“We can now reveal that #Eurovision 2023 will be hosted in either Glasgow or Liverpool.”

The nation has today (September 27) been poised to learn which city would be left in the running after BBC Breakfast reporter hinted this morning that a update was to come.

The other cities knocked out the competition include Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Newcastle.

All signs were that Sheffield had a shot at it after the Steel City successfully hosted the Lionesses for the Women’s Euros Semi-Final against Sweden in July.

The only minimum requirement to enter the race was a 10,000 capacity stadium to throw the party.

Now, either Liverpool or Glasgow will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest next year, with a final decision to come next month.

The UK was given the chance to host the event for the ninth time – more than any other country – after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.

Ukraine – who won Eurovision 2022 – invited the UK to host the event when the European Broadcasting Union decided the contest could not safely be held in the country following the Russian invasion.

How has Sheffield Council reacted to the news city will not host Eurovision?

Councillor Ben Miskell, Sheffield City Council’s economic development and skills policy committee deputy chair, said: “Massive congratulations to Glasgow and Liverpool – the final 2 left in the race to host Eurovision.

“Getting to the final seven showed we really mean business here in Sheffield – loads of cities wanted to host this and it was amazing to see Sheffield and South Yorkshire get behind this bid. Over the last few months we have showcased the very best of Sheffield – the love of music that runs through our veins, our stunning Outdoor City, and of course our people.

“As the UK’s first City of Sanctuary we have said all along we were doing this in solidarity with Ukraine and its people. We have long-held and strong connections with Ukraine and they have been at the forefront of our minds throughout this bid.

“The BBC have paid tribute to the passion, enthusiasm, quality and creativity we showed in our bid and we’re incredibly proud of the work team Sheffield and team South Yorkshire did to get us this far. Massive thanks goes to the universities, colleges, businesses, culture sector and of course our Ukrainian communities too, all of whom got behind this.

“After the summer we’ve had hosting the record-breaking UEFA Women’s Euros, we have some massive events coming up in Sheffield – the Rugby League World Cup, the Arctic Monkeys at Hillsborough and the UK Figure Skating Senior Grand Prix, for example.

“There’s more to come from Sheffield and we cannot wait.”