BRIGHTON has been ruled out of hosting next year's Eurovision Song Contest, the council has confirmed.

The city said it would put a bid in for the prestigious competition after it was announced that this year’s winners, Ukraine, would not be able to host due to safety reasons.

However, Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty said, despite the city’s love and support for the contest, “we don’t have the infrastructure the BBC requires” to host the event.

There had been concerns raised by some that the city does not have a suitable arena that could house the thousands of people who attend the contest every year.

While some suggested that the Amex Stadium could host the competition, this was likely impossible after it was reported that a venue would need to be free up to eight weeks before the contest - clashing with Premier League matches towards the end of the season.

Brighton's bid for the contest had received support from the city's MPs, including Peter Kyle who said a "Eurovision-by-the-Sea" would be the "envy of the world".

The Argus: Ukrainian folk-rap band Kalush Orchestra won this year's competition with their song 'Stefania'Ukrainian folk-rap band Kalush Orchestra won this year's competition with their song 'Stefania'

Cllr Mac Cafferty said: “We love Eurovision and are still determined to support the event.

“Our VisitBrighton team will be working with our partner businesses - venues, hotels, restaurants and shops - to encourage them to show their support for Eurovision in any way they can.

“This is a city that knows how to celebrate and have fun, so we’ll be inviting people everywhere to come and soak up the Eurovision party atmosphere in one of the UK’s most popular, free-thinking and cosmopolitan cities.”

Brighton previously hosted the 1974 contest at the Brighton Dome, with Abba winning the competition with their song “Waterloo”, with the late Olivia Newton-John placing fourth for the UK.

The Argus: Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 at the Brighton Dome with their song "Waterloo"Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 at the Brighton Dome with their song "Waterloo"

According to bookmakers Paddy Power, Glasgow is the favourite to host the song contest next May, with odds of 6/4, with Birmingham on 5/2 and Belfast 11/2.

The BBC recently announced production plans for next year’s contest, promising that the show will “celebrate the culture and heritage of Ukraine, alongside Eurovision’s proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music.”

A list of shortlisted host cities will be announced by the BBC on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show tomorrow.