Seven UK cities on the shortlist for Eurovision

THE shortlist of UK cities in the running to host next year’s Eurovision is dominated by northern candidates.

Twenty cities seeking to hold the 67th song contest in place of Ukraine were whittled down to seven yesterday – with London failing to make the cut.

Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield will battle it out in the next stage of the bidding process.

Ukraine was prepared to host after its win in May in Turin, Italy, with the band Kalush Orchestra. But the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the event, decided it cannot be held in the war- torn country due to safety concerns.

The UK was given the chance to host the competition for a ninth time, more than any other country, after British singer Sam Ryder came second this year.

The 20 cities in contention had to demonstrate how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.

Lulu, who won Eurovision in 1969, yesterday cheered on her home town of Glasgow, the current favourite. She told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘My heart and everyone’s heart goes out to Ukraine and this is a chance to represent them and do right by them. It is so touching, I think it is going to be an amazing year.’

The host will be revealed in the autumn.