Eurovision Sheffield 2023: City Council release statement as entire region backs Sheffield hosting bid

The UK will host the contest for the ninth time after hosting honours were handed over from Ukraine due to Putin’s war in the country.

In a statement, Councillor Julie Grocutt, Deputy Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “Sheffield is honoured to be bidding to be the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.

"While Sheffield will be the Host City, we have come together in solidarity as a region to support our bid, drawing on the assets and strengths of our communities across South Yorkshire. As a region we are proposing the Utilita Sheffield Arena as the hosting venue.”

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Coun Grocutt said the council were working together with local authorities from across South Yorkshire to deliver the bid requirements and were hoping to “continue to demonstrate our capability and aspiration to deliver this international event on behalf of the Ukrainian people”.

The city has jumped in polling popularity after the success of the Euro 2022 Semi-Final at Bramall Lane, which saw the Lionesses beat Sweden 4-0 in front of a sold out crowd to advance to the tournament final.

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Coun Grocutt said: ““Sheffield would be a fantastic host city and it would be exciting to work with our partners across the region on a huge celebration of Ukrainian and South Yorkshire culture and music.

"It would undoubtedly benefit the whole region and our Ukraine communities. We would be proud to bring the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to the region in solidarity with Ukraine.”