Why a joint Sunderland/Newcastle Eurovision bid would hit wrong note with city councillor

Normally, the winners play host the following year, but after Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra took the number one slot this year, organisers have said the war-torn nation is not a safe option.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has said the ‘security and operational guarantees’ required cannot be fulfilled by Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC while the Russian invasion continues.

The organisation has opened talks with the BBC about hosting next year’s competition after the UK’s Sam Rider came second in May.

Sunderland councillor Dominic McDonough is keen to bring the world’s biggest music contest to the city.

But Wearside could face a North East rival, after Newcastle threw its hat into the Eurovision ring.

Newcastle City Council has confirmed it is exploring a bid.

Coun Alex Hay, the council’s cabinet member responsible for tourism, said: “Obviously it would be wonderful to host Eurovision and we believe that Newcastle would be a perfect host city. We are looking forward to hearing more about the bidding process and are already working with partners to explore the opportunity.”

There has been no confirmation of which venue would be chosen to stage Eurovision in Newcastle, though the 11,000-capacity Utilita Arena would seem the obvious choice.

However, Coun McDonough believes Sunderland is better equipped to host the contest, with the Stadium of Light being a perfect venue.

He said news of a possible bid had been popular, though it was still early days: “I have been chatting to the football club and had some discussions with the BBC regarding viability but it’s still very early days, as the BBC have yet to officially confirm that they will host.

"Reaction from residents and within the council has been very positive indeed, though, and it's just great that we're up there and being mentioned beside places like London and Glasgow,” he said.

But a joint bid would not be feasible: “I don't think a joint bid would work sadly, as the 'Eurovision Village' tends to be in a smaller area with the venue, Euroclub and press centre within close proximity.

"I do actually think that our set up is better suited, thanks to the surrounding buildings that would be available.”