SWINDON has been named among a list of possible hosts for next year's Eurovision Song Contest.

It comes after the announcement that the continental spectacular would be returning to the UK in 2023.

Ukraine -  this year's winners - cannot host Eurovision as is tradition because of the ongoing war with Russia. Sam Ryder finished as runner-up with a rousing performance of Spaceman and has earned the UK the honour instead.

And a post on the official Eurovision website listed Swindon as a possible venue.

It read: "Bidding is expected to be competitive, with several mayors, councillors and MPs already informally expressing an intention to bid, including representatives from: Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swindon and Wolverhampton.

"Of course, not all of these locations will formally apply, and the BBC and the EBU will await official approaches and applications from this week onwards, publishing the long-list later in the summer. 

"As well as selling their vision for a fantastic contest, potential host cities are expected to demonstrate that they can meet a list of expectations."

But Swindon Borough Council has poured cold water on the idea, telling the Adver: "We won’t be bidding to be the host of Eurovision.

“We’re flattered to have our name linked with such an amazing event and we look forward to watching next year.”

Conservative councillor for Liden, Eldene & Park South Bazil Solomon thinks the authority should change its mind.

He said: “It would be wonderful to have it here. We have lots of people from Europe here in Swindon as well.

“There are lots of places where we could do it here. We’re proud of who we are, and we want to get more business for Swindon.

“We have a good music scene, but I’d like to make it even better - I’ve got big dreams. We’ve got the talent but just need to create more opportunities.”

The European Broadcasting Union's host city criteria for last year focused on offering a venue with space for at least 10,000 spectators that should be conveniently located near an international airport and have enough hotel accommodation.

Next year’s host city will be chosen in the coming months following a bidding process to be launched this week.

On Twitter, Chris Roberts questioned whether Swindon has the facilities to make a realistic bid.

She said: ‘Fingers crossed, but has Swindon got a big enough venue, enough hotel accommodation and near to an airport?’

Chris added: "Just heard on the BBC news that Swindon have put themselves forward to host next year’s Eurovision!

"I had to play it back as I was sure I must have heard wrong.

"You need an inside 10,000 seater arena for starters."

Do you think Swindon has what it takes to host the contest?

Let us know in the comments.