Chamber backs Leeds’ bid to host Eurovision 2023

On Friday 12th August, Leeds was named as one of seven cities shortlisted to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

The UK was chosen to host after organisers made the difficult decision that the contest could not be staged by 2022 winners Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia. UK artist Sam Ryder was runner-up at this year’s event in Italy.

James Mason, Chief Executive of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said of Leeds’ shortlisting:

“This is great news for the City of Leeds and the whole of West Yorkshire. Leeds has a wonderfully rich musical history and with Leeds 2023 celebrating a year of culture, I can’t think of a better way to crown this than with the Eurovision Song Contest to showcase the power of multiculturalism that exists in our region. We have the perfect arena, the hotels, the infrastructure and I’m sure all other neighbouring towns and cities that are home to so many communities represented throughout the competition including our friends from Ukraine will support the bid and deliver a party to remember.”