Newcastle celebrates Eurovison in style as Times…

Newcastle celebrates Eurovison in style as Times Square hosts pop party in the sun

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.

Peter said: "The sun is making a whole lot of difference; it's bringing the community together." He was hoping that England's Eurovision hopeful Mae Muller would triumph in the contest but said "good luck to all".

Darrell added he had noticed the Eurovision excitement and atmosphere building in the city over the past week. "Everybody is really getting into the spirit of it," he said.

Darrel Connachan, left, and Peter Miller enjoying a drink in the sun before the start of the Eurovision party and screening in Times Square, Newcastle (Barbara Hodgson)

Preparing for a busy night inside the square's cordoned-off zone - which had a stage installed alongside the big screen and long bench seats and deckchairs ready and waiting - was Amanda Forsyth of Tokyo Bars who was helping with final preparations. Besides a main bar and second bar at the side of the venue there were pop-ups including a ice cream van selling cocktails and street food favourites such as Scream For Pizza and My Delhi.

"We're very well stocked up!" said Amanda. She added: "I love Eurovision. It's something everyone is excited for.

"Everyone's going to be in good spirits." And early arrivals waiting outside, dressed to impress for the occasion, were clearly out to enjoy themselves and they were in for a treat, with entertainment being co-hosted by drag performer Tess Tickle and Alex Fil, a Ukrainian journalist and TV presenter who now lives in the city.

Some fellow Ukrainians who are also now Newcastle residents received free tickets to the event, which was organised by Newcastle City Council in partnership with the BBC. The city had been picked to host an official party having missed out as one of the seven cities shortlisted to host the international music contest in favour of Liverpool.

For those in Times Square it seemed the city celebration was the next best place to watch the big night. Ahead of the 8pm start of the contest screening, they had four hours of fun, singing and laughs, with Tess Tickle first set to launch a DJ set at 4pm, following up with a karaoke session and performance with The Dragettes.

Keeping the party mood going, the rest of the line-up included Sam Lavery, former star of The X Factor turned radio host; singers Natalie Hallett and John-Philip plus tribute act Voulez 2 showcasing a stream of Abba hits to set the scene for the coming screening of live action from Eurovision itself.

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