Eurovision: Sheffield Council gears up bid to host song contest on behalf of Ukraine

The council launched a campaign early on to bring the international extravaganza to the Steel City, which is twinned with Donetsk in Ukraine.

Now leading councillors on the strategy and resources committee have arranged an urgent meeting to discuss the costs and logistics of hosting the event. This will be held in private due to the commercially sensitive nature of the discussions.

The council boasted Sheffield’s proven reputation for hosting major international events such as the UEFA Women’s Euros and the World Snooker Championships.

Councillor Martin Smith, chair of the economic development and skills committee, highlighted that Sam Ryder, the runner up of Eurovision this year, recently wowed crowds at Tramlines Festival.

He said: “Sheffield is made for hosting Eurovision – music runs through our blood and we put on a good show.

“We have the infrastructure, the venues, the hospitality, and the transport links. We also have one of the strongest creative and cultural sectors in the country.

“We have a long and important relationship with Ukraine, particularly with our twinned city of Donetsk. This began in 1956, and intensified during the 1980s – aided by the similarities of our cities, both having a steel and mining heritage.

“As the UK’s first designated City of Sanctuary, we’re reaching out to offer our city not only as a place of sanctuary, but as a place to celebrate the unity and togetherness that Eurovision symbolises.

“Sheffield stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

Excitement has been building since the UK was announced as the hosts for next year due to the war.

Sheffield is currently third out of 16 in a poll by Eurovisionworld.com which asked the public where they would like to see the competition.

It has been rumoured the council could consider a joint bid for the county.

This was the approach taken in 2007 when Sheffield Arena hosted the four-day International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) – which at the time was hailed the world’s largest film industry weekend. It was spread across Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, York and Hull.