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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Adam Maidment

Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be shown on huge screens in Piccadilly Gardens

Huge screens in Manchester city centre will air the semi-finals and grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in May.

Piccadilly Gardens will screen the three events live on May 9, 11 and 13, with a number of food and drink stalls operating throughout each night.

Access to each event will be free with no tickets required but they will operate on a first come, first served basis.

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Around 1,000 people will be able to enjoy each of the semi-finals on May 9 and 11, whilst capacity will be expanded for the Grand Final on Saturday, May 13 to allow up to 5,000 people to celebrate the event in Piccadilly Gardens.

In addition to airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the Grand Final will also be screened at more than 500 cinema screens across the UK, including Vue Manchester Printworks and Vue Manchester Quayside at The Lowry.

Mae Muller is representing the UK at this year's Eurovision (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

The live events are part of an initiative from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which is providing over £1 million in funding for screens in more than 30 cities for people to come together to watch the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, and the Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision Minister, Stuart Andrew, commented: "Eurovision is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together through music and our big screens will create a party atmosphere where no one will sing alone.

"This competition is not just about Liverpool but making sure we celebrate what unites us and showcasing our steadfast support for Ukraine.

"We are bringing the Eurovision Song Contest to people's doorsteps so we can all take part in this historic moment and enjoy the magic of Eurovision as one."

The Eurovision semi-finals take place at 8pm on May 9 and 11, with the Grand Final taking place at 8pm on May 13.

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