Bring Eurovision to Toon!
EUROVISION fans across the North East may well have thought they were dreaming on Tuesday morning when they woke up the news that Newcastle had thrown its hat into the ring to host the contest next year.
But far from being some crazy idea that could never happen, there is absolutely no reason why the world famous even could not be held on Tyneside.
If organisers are after a vibrant location, full of passion, history, culture and a love for music, they really have no reason to look any further than Newcastle.
That’s before I even mention the fact that the Geordie natives would give the acts from across the continent the warmest welcome and happily point them in the direction of the nearest Greggs for some much needed subsidence between rehearsals.
While the Eurovision Song Contest is still, quite wrongly, regarded as a bit of a joke and something to poke fun at by its critics, the stats don’t lie and an audience of around 10 million watched this year’s final in the UK alone as our representative Sam Ryder did the unthinkable and actually did VERY well, coming second to only red-hot favourites Ukraine on the leaderboard.
After the Kalush Orchestra’s victory for Ukraine, it was decided, with a heavy heart, that the wartorn country couldn’t keep with tradition and stage next year’s contest.
And, as soon as that news was broken and it was confirmed that the UK would pick up the baton, speculation was rife on where it could take place, with the likes of Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester all being mooted.
But sorry guys, now that Newcastle is also in contention, there really is no competition.
As well as the fact that Newcastle is widely regarded as one of the number one places to party in the UK, it is also a city with music in its foundations, from Sting to Sam Fender and Lindisfarne to Mark Knopfler.
Let’s just think for a moment how epic it would be to hear Local Hero blasting out as Eurovision cameras cut to breath-taking shots of the Tyne Bridge, Quayside, Grey’s Monument and the Angel of the North.
Emotions aside, on a logistical level, the city has great transport links with a train station and airport, has plenty of hotels to house the delegations from each competing country, and, of course, plenty of bars and restaurants for them to unwind in and perhaps toast a victory, we all know that Geordie hospitality is second to none!
And for those concerned that the people of Newcastle wouldn’t embrace Eurovision, hundreds of people packed out a dedicated Fan Zone for this year’s final in the heart of the city, the second soldout event of its kind in the space of 12 months and one of, if not the biggest in the UK.
Flags were held aloft and chants rang out in scenes that were reminiscent of the Euros a year earlier as dedicated fans cheered on Sam Ryder with every inch of their being, as well as dressing up as icons of Eurovision pasts and present.
In addition to plenty of debate about where could host Eurovision next year, potential hosts have also proven to be be a big talking point.
On that score, I have just three words for you....Ant and Dec.
They are the best presenters on TV (their CVs and trophy cabinets do not lie!) and being Eurovision hosts would be another huge moment in their already illustrious career.
I’m sure I’m not the only one whose life would be made upon hearing those magical words: “Good evening Europe...and welcome to Newcastle!”
The people, the passion and even the pease pudding - come on Europe, you know it makes sense!