While we might have lost out on hosting the event, Newcastle will still celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest in a big way this year, with a massive party at Boulevard in the city centre.
Newcastle was one of many UK cities who bid to host the 2023 contest, after it was decided by the European Broadcasting Union that, despite winning Eurovision last year, Ukraine couldn't stage the event, given the conflict in the country over the last 12 months. After the BBC agreed to pick up the baton, the search was on for a new host city but, after making the shortlist, Newcastle was then culled, leaving Glasgow and Liverpool in the running, before it was decided the honour would go to Merseyside.
Tickets for Eurovision 2023 were all snapped up within half an hour of going on sale earlier this month, as Ticketmaster went into a near meltdown due to the huge demand.
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But the good news for any Geordies who didn't manage to get their hands on a ticket for the final is that Boulevard Newcastle are preparing an epic night of entertainment. As well as the final airing on the biggest screen in the city, the same screen that recently showed Newcastle's Carabao Cup final; there will be star turns from well known local performers PlastiQ, Layla Sphynx and Gloria Love and Drag Idol Newcastle's 2023 champion.
Tickets, costing from £10, are on sale now from the Boulevard website and, ahead of this week's highly anticipated Drag Idol final taking over the Boulevard stage, judge PlastiQ told ChronicleLive: "I think this is going to be one of the biggest years in Eurovision history for the UK. After last years incredible success with Sam Ryder all eyes are on us and I’m so excited to celebrate in style with our huge Eurovision party!
"You can expect glamour glitz and showbiz and the pleasure of watching on our giant indoor screen. It’s going to be one great night!"
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