Leeds

Optimism grows for Leeds to host Eurovision as “city bursting with life and cultural energy”

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 6th September 2022

Eurovision shared an update on our city's bid for the 2023 song contest.

Seven cities have been shortlisted in the United Kingdom for Eurovision Song Contest 2023, but is due to be revealed later this year.

The 2023 contest will be hosted in the UK on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA:PBC. As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. 

Last month, Leeds joined Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield in the bid to host the competition.

Read More: Leeds favourite to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023

Naturally, here in Leeds we're excited about the prospect of bringing one of Europe's biggest competitions to the North, and with many Ukrainian artists calling Leeds home, including western rock and Ukrainian folk band, The Ukrainians, who have been performing for 32 years.

The Eurovision Song Contest website has described Leeds as " city bursting with life and cultural energy, which boasts a vibrant creative community" citing Leeds' past ability to host major live TV events like Tour de France Grand Depart, the MOBO Awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which have all been delivered from the First Direct Arena.

Additional reasons that have been cited for Leeds to host the Eurovision Song Contest include the existing attraction of Leeds Festival, which brings up to 100,000 people into the city each summer; and the grounding existence of award-winning national theatre and dance companies- and that's without the mention of the First Direct Arena.

Image: First Direct Arena

Read More: Leeds has officially been shortlisted as a host city for Eurovision

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council and Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy and culture, had this to say:

"It goes without saying that Leeds will be bidding to host Eurovision in 2023. Leeds has already proved that it has the capability and capacity to host major international events and ASM Global, the operators of the First Direct Arena, successfully hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in the Avicii Arena in Stockholm in 2016. Given that we will be mid-way through the Leeds 2023 Year of Culture, it could not come at a better time."

"We are extremely disappointed that Ukraine will be unable to host in 2023, but it would be an honour to host on behalf of them, especially given that West Yorkshire is home to a large number of Ukrainians. If we are successful with our bid, we will be looking to get the local Ukrainian community involved with our plans as much as possible."

The hosting city will be announced in autumn by the BBC and EBU.

Feature Image- First Direct Arena

Leeds

Award-wining Leeds sandwich shop Silver’s Deli to open neighbourhood bakehouse

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.

We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.

They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.

And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.

And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.

It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.

Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.

"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.

We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.

Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.

Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.

This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.

If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.

Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks

Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.

The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.

Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks

This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.

Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.

"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.

Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks

"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."

Have a proper nosey at the property here.

Read more:

Featured image - Rightmove via Harvey Brooks

More Leeds

Eats

Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi

Leeds

Otley is now bidding to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028

Leeds

Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre