Leeds' bid to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at First Direct Arena could get one step closer next week

Senior councillors will be asked to give the green light to the next stage of the selection process during a special meeting.

Leeds City Council’s executive board will meet on Monday to discuss plans to bring the world’s largest live music event to West Yorkshire.

Leeds was named earlier this month as one of seven UK cities shortlisted to hold the competition on behalf of Ukraine.

The next stage of the selection process requires each shortlisted city to provide detailed information setting out why they should be chosen as hosts.

Executive board members will be asked on Monday to approve the formal submission of Leeds’s supporting information, as excitement continues to grow.

James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It was a hugely-exciting moment for Leeds when we were confirmed as one of the seven cities in the running to host 2023’s Eurovision Song Contest.

“Since that announcement, we have been working flat out to fine-tune the details of our bid so it makes the best possible case for our city to be given the honour of holding the competition on behalf of our friends in Ukraine.”

The council is bidding for Eurovision to be hosted at the First Direct Arena.

The competition will be held in May - midway through the Leeds 2023 year of culture.

Coun Lewis added: “We already know that Leeds, with its long tradition of inclusivity, creativity and cultural excellence, would be a perfect location for Eurovision and everything that comes with it. Now we have to show the competition’s organisers exactly why that is. With the support of the local Ukrainian community and other key partners, we are determined to rise to the challenge.

“More than anything, we wish Ukraine was in a position to stage the competition. The tragedy that has unfolded there in recent months has been awful to see and, if successful, we will put our heart and soul into delivering a Eurovision that does the Ukrainian nation proud.”

A final decision on the host city is due in the autumn.