Watch how Darlington Arena was going to host Eurovision 2023 if it won

Darlington announced its bid to host the much-loved and popular event yesterday, but sadly missed out after the shortlist was announced this morning.

The event would have taken place in Darlington Arena, according to Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

Due to the requirements of the event being an indoor venue, the proposal would have seen a huge Ukrainian flag covering the roof of the arena.

Read more: Eurovision 2023: Darlington misses out on hosting after shortlist announced

On the flag, the words “Eurovision 2023”

Eurovision 2023 was due to take place in Ukraine following the country’s success in last year’s competition, however, due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, it was agreed that the United Kingdon, as the runner up, would host it on behalf of Ukraine.

Yesterday afternoon it was announced in a meeting of the Tees Valley Combined Authorities Overview and Scrutiny Committee by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen announced that if successful, Darlington would welcome the 26 countries taking part in the popular event.

However, it was announced this morning that unfortunately, Darlington was not successful in its bid to host Eurovision.

Following the announcement this morning, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the loss was unfortunate, adding: “You win some and you lose some but that’s life.

Mr Houchen added: “So it wasn't to be. Unfortunately we didn’t get shortlisted to host Eurovision in Darlington.”

To get more stories from Darlington direct to your email basket go here

Despite this the mayor added that he was “proud of the bid” his team put together to host the event at Darlington Arena.

He added: “That’s where we had the ability to host more than 20,000 people and a deliverable plan to put a roof on the arena with it being in the design of a Ukrainian flag - we also had an agreement in place with the arena to provide vacant possession for the 8 weeks prior to the event, as required by the bid criteria.”

However, where Darlington failed, Newcastle succeeded as it successfully made the shortlist to host Eurovision 2023.

The full list of shortlisted cities for the event is: “Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

----

Read next: 

• Anne Heche ‘not expected to survive’ car crash that put her in coma, family says
• Stockton fire LIVE: Major road shut after building fire - updates here
• BBC Look North presenter Carol Malia forced off air due to cough

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here