Some welcome sunshine added to the feelgood spirit in Newcastle this Saturday as Eurovision fans were set to celebrate at a huge party.
While there was a buzz throughout the city, the official Eurovision party was in Times Square where more than 1,700 music lovers had snapped up tickets to watch the international song contest screened live from Liverpool. And there was plenty in store for them before that, with a packed programme of entertainment kicking off at 4pm by which time ticket-holders for the sold-out event had already started to queue.
Among those enjoying a drink in the sun in Times Square before the party zone opened were locals Peter Miller and Darrel Connachan who had been keen to watch the contest from their home city. A nearby crowd of visitors from Leicester - who were preparing for a quick return to their hotel for a change into their Eurovision outfits - said they had chosen to come up to watch the big screen in Newcastle as Liverpool options were too expensive.
