Leeds won't be hosting Eurovision song contest
Liverpool and Glasgow are the two cities which remain in the competition to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, the BBC has announced.
Leeds was one of seven locations shortlisted to host Eurovision, but didn't make the final cut.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“Congratulations to both Glasgow and Liverpool on making the final shortlist to host Eurovision 2023.
“Having Eurovision in the UK next year, and honouring Ukrainian culture and heritage is something that every city will have had in the forefront of their minds as part of the bid. We worked closely with our local Ukrainian community as we bid for Eurovision and remain committed in our support for the Ukrainians in Leeds and West Yorkshire and the country as they continue to face the devastating impact of a needless war.
"I would like to thank our local Ukrainian community for all their support and help, and I would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in bringing the Leeds bid together from our own staff to all our key partners who worked so hard to bring it to life.
“We believe the city did the best we possibly could and whilst we may not have been successful we have an amazing year of culture to look forward to, as we let culture loose in 2023, and come together to celebrate everything and everyone in our great city.”
Meanwhile, Phil Harrold, the chairman of the BBC's host city selection committee, said: "Thanks to all seven cities across the UK who have demonstrated the enthusiasm and passion for Eurovision that exists right across the UK.
"We were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of all the city bids in what was a highly competitive field.
"The Eurovision Song Contest is a very complex event and Liverpool and Glasgow have the strongest overall offer; we will continue our discussions with them to determine the eventual host city.
"We are determined to make the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest one that both reflects the winning position of Ukraine and is also an event that all of the UK can participate in."