Newcastle might not be hosting Eurovision this year but it will be the location for a massive party for the final.
Like numerous other cities across the UK, Newcastle threw its hat into the ring to host this year's contest, after the European BRoadcasting Union announced that the Ukraine, despite winning with Kalush Orchestra in 2022, wouldn't be able to stage the annual event.
The BBC picked up the baton for the UK, who finished second with Sam Ryder and the search was then on to find a place to host it. Newcastle received an early boost when it made the shortlist, but after the race was narrowed down to Glasgow and Liverpool, victory eventually went to Merseyside.
However, Eurovision will still be marked in a big way on Tyneside, with a huge event in the heart of the city on Saturday, May 13. Starting at 4pm, at Times Square, the location for huge Eurovision screenings over the last few years, crowds will be able to enjoy more than three hours of spectacular entertainment, including live music, DJs and special guest appearances.
The Eurovision final, which draws millions of viewers from across the globe, will then be broadcast on a big screen from 8pm after a special Eurovision-themed episode of BBC One's The One Show.
Tickets for the Eurovision party cost £5 and are available HERE with a proportion of free tickets being given to Ukrainian residents in the city.
Michelle Percy, Director for Place at Newcastle City Council, said: “Eurovision is one of the biggest television events of the year and there is a real buzz with the contest being held in the UK this year.
“We were thrilled to have made the shortlist to host the event and although we weren’t successful, we couldn’t have been prouder of residents, businesses and communities for coming together to get behind our campaign.
“During the bidding process we made fantastic links with the Ukrainian community and we have been immensely proud to see Newcastle give a big Geordie welcome to those who fled their home country to make a fresh start in our city.
“The Eurovision Song Contest party is set to be an amazing event and we look forward to putting on a great show for our residents and Ukrainians living in our city.”
Residents can also watch the Eurovision semi-finals on a big screen at Times Square on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11 from 8pm for free.
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