Newcastle has been eliminated from the competition to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Liverpool and Glasgow are the two cities could host the popular event, the BBC has announced.

They have been selected after Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester were removed from contention to host the music event in place of Ukraine.

Darlington also launched an ambitious bid, to be held at the town’s arena, but its application did not make the shortlist.

Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show cannot be safely held in the country following Russia’s invasion.

Either Liverpool or Glasgow will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after the UK was given the chance to host the event for the ninth time – more than any other country – after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.

Read more: Could Mowden Park in Darlington have hosted the Eurovision 2023?

In August a list narrowed down from 20 UK cities who initially submitted an “expression of interest” was released by the BBC, with applicants across all four regions demonstrating how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.

Of the seven cities named in August, six were in England, one in Scotland, with Belfast failing to make the cut for Northern Ireland.

Requirements included “a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest”, necessary commitment to the contest including a financial contribution, and “alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster”.

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