ALL efforts will be made to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in the city.
The ongoing war in winning country Ukraine prompted the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to look for an alternative host.
Last month, The Argus revealed the council would be expressing interest in hosting the competition.
Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Phelim Mac Cafferty said yesterday he will “pull out all the stops” for the city to host the prestigious contest after the “beyond tragic” circumstances in Ukraine.
Councillor Mac Cafferty said: “In Brighton and Hove we would pull out all the stops to be the ‘next best’ host.
“We firmly believe that as a city that has previously hosted Eurovision, we have the people, the sheer musical talent and a proud place on the global stage to make Eurovision 2023 just as memorable and magnificent as 1974.
“We would be deeply honoured to play our part. We said this as soon as it was announced last month that the UK might be invited to host Eurovision.
“We have already been in touch with relevant government departments to make this clear.
“We’re currently waiting for further information about dates, venue capacity and any other requirements that the EBU may have.
“But we’re incredibly excited to be among the UK cities putting our name in the hat.”
Pop group Abba won the contest for Sweden back in 1974 at the Brighton Dome, which had a 2,100 capacity at the time.
It was announced yesterday that the UK would be hosting the singing contest.
Several cities in the UK confirmed they will put in an official bid including London, Sheffield and Manchester.
The competition has previously been held eight times in the UK, including London four times, Edinburgh once, Birmingham and Harrogate.
Last year, the EBU’s host city criteria was based on being able to provide a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, a press centre, that should be within easy reach of an international airport and have enough hotel accommodation.
The Brighton Centre’s capacity is around 4,500, while the Brighton Dome’s capacity is around 1,700. The County Cricket Ground in Hove has a capacity of around 6,000.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium in Falmer has a capacity of nearly 32,000.
The stadium last hosted a large music event when Fatboy Slim performed to 40,000 fans over the two nights in June 2012.
Brighton beach could be another option in the council’s bid to host the competition.
A poll by The Argus revealed that 74 per cent of our readers were in favour of the city hosting the competition.
Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham, Aberdeen, London, Bristol, Belfast, Cardiff and Nottingham have also expressed interest.
The BBC will be broadcasting the competition.
Tim Davie, BBC director general, said: “The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.
“The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.”
MPs Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Peter Kyle backed Brighton's bid, as well as councillor Carol Theobald.
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