BRIGHTON did not submit a bid for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, the council leader has admitted.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty had previously said that the city would “pull out all the stops” to host the prestigious contest in 2023, due to the competition being unable to be held in Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

However, in a meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee, Cllr Mac Cafferty admitted no bid was submitted “because of the lack of infrastructure”.

Conservative councillor Samer Bagaeen asked the council leader how much was spent on the bid, to which Cllr Mac Cafferty confirmed “no council resources” were spent.

“It was clear we did not fit the criteria early on,” he said.

The Argus: Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty said that Brighton 'did not fit the criteria' to host the competitionCouncil leader Phelim Mac Cafferty said that Brighton 'did not fit the criteria' to host the competition (Image: Unsplash)

Host cities for the contest must have a suitable venue that can hold at least 10,000 Eurovision fans, as well as having ample hotel accommodation, a press centre for 1,500 journalists and be within close reach of an international airport.

Brighton withdrew from the race to host a “Eurovision-by-the-Sea” in August as the city did not meet the requirements set by the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

While some Argus readers suggested that the Amex Stadium could be used to host the contest, this would have likely proved impossible after it was reported that a venue would need to be free up to eight weeks before the contest - threatening to clash with Premier League fixtures.

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'

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

Either Glasgow or Liverpool will be chosen to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with the announcement set to be made by Graham Norton and Sam Ryder, who placed second in this year’s competition for Britain, on The One Show this evening.