The Eurovision Song Contest will be styled as “Ukraine’s party in our house”, if Leeds’ bid to host the competition next year is successful.
The contest will be held in the UK for the first time in a quarter of a century next year, with Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield joining Leeds on the six-strong shortlist of potential host cities.
Ukraine would have held the competition themselves, as this year’s Eurovision winners, but are unable to do so because of the Russian invasion.
Speaking at a meeting of Leeds City Council’s executive board on Monday, the authori-ty’s deputy leader Councillor Jonathan Pryor said: “This is Ukraine’s party that we’re offering host in our house.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Ukrainian culture, while also giving the world that Yorkshire welcome.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we can’t miss.
The economic impact on any city hosting Eurovision is huge.
“While there will be a cost to Leeds hosting, the economic return will be enormous.”
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport due to announce the winner in the next couple of months.
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