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.
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.
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
Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Sophie Smith -
6th September 2022 
