The countdown is officially on. We're now just two weeks away from the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 final and Manchester is going all out to celebrate the occasion.
Taking place a week after the King's Coronation, we're certain the party will carry on all the way through, as 37 Eurovision countries bring their A game to Liverpool M&S Arena for two semi-finals on May 9 and 11 and the grand finale on May 13. And while tickets have all sold out out - there's still plenty of ways to get involved whether you're in Liverpool or Manchester.
Liverpool's festivities, including the Eurofestival - a collaborative effort between Ukraine and Liverpool to represent both nations' music, art and culture - is already in full swing - but here in Manchester, clubs, bars and venues are also preparing to celebrate with a packed calendar of live screenings, themed nights and Euro-pop parties.
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Piccadilly Gardens
Huge screens in Piccadilly Gardens will air the semi-finals and grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Three events live on May 9, 11 and 13 will be screened, with a number of food and drink stalls operating throughout each night as well.
Around 1,000 people are expected to gather at Piccadilly Gardens to enjoy screenings of the two semi-finals, while 5,000 people are estimated to be attending its Grand Final screening. Access to each event is free and with no tickets required, but they will operate on a first come, first served basis.
The Eurovision semi-finals take place at 8pm on May 9 and 11, with the Grand Final taking place at 8pm on May 13.
Pop Curious
Cub night Pop Curious will be hosting their annual Eurovision event at Area in Tribeca. Their annual screening will be followed by a Europop afterparty and doors open at 7.30pm on a first-come-first-served basis.
The event, featuring two large screens - the biggest to watch Eurovision on Canal Street - will offer uninterrupted viewing angles, plus there will be several mini screens around the venue, so no matter where you're sat you should have a decent view of the show.
Straight after the winner is declared, there will be a full on Eurovision and Europop afterparty. Expect Eurovision anthems from Sonia, Bucks Fizz, Sertab Erener, Loreen, and more, mixed in with Europop bangers from Robyn, Aqua, Gala, O-Zone and 2 Unlimited. For those who are watching Eurovision at home, they've also added a ticket option for the party afterwards.
Regency House, 50 Sackville Street, M1 3WF
Eurovision at The Refuge
Time to grab your sparkles, sweepstakes and scorecards, because The Refuge at Kimpton Clocktower hotel is collaborating with The Family Gorgeous to host a raucous affair on Saturday, May 13.
Join the team in The Vault as Anna Phylactic and Liquorice Black prepare to host the Eurovision viewing spectacular and are promising a 'camp evening of cheeky commentary, food, drink, activities and a surprise performance'. Tickets include a Buck’s Fizz on arrival and Crazy Pedros will be dropping off some complimentary Eurovision pizza.
If you haven't got you fill by the time the winner is announced, stick around for The Family Gorgeous afterparty until the early hours. If you miss out on tickets for the final, don't despair, they'll be hosting free viewing parties for the semi-finals and tickets (£20) are available via Skiddle.
The Venue Nightclub
With the festivities taking place just down the road in Liverpool, it'd be rude for Manchester venues not to show it - and that's the approach the Venue Nightclub is taking. They'll have two big screens showing final, with drinks deals on all night.
They don't do food but have told punters to feel free to bring in their own snacks or order in - just don't go asking them for plates and cutlery. Seating is first come first basis so arrive early to bag your place. Standing tickets are also available.
The venue opens from 6:30pm with a DJ playing Eurovision and all-round pop bangers. The lve Final starts 8pm, finishing at Midnight. Tickets have sold like hot cakes but you can join the waiting list via The Venue Nightclub's website or Skiddle.
29 Jackson's Row, Manchester M2 5WD
Green Arches Eurovision Spectacular with live ABBA Tribute
Local Green Quarter bar, brewery and event space Green Arches will be hosting a fabulous finals night complete with a live ABBA tribute band, Mamma Mania!
The night will kick off with Mamma Mania’s first set at 7pm, followed by a live screening of Eurovision streamed on the big screen and PA system. Giving the people what they want, Mamma Mania will also be performing for a second time before the votes are counted and the winner is announced.
Fancy dress is definitely encouraged too and they want to see as many people, as glittery and fabulous as possible. Tickets are £5 - plus more available on the door - and on sale now via the bar's Instagram page.
Address: Green Arches, 11 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4FE
GRUB
GRUB will also be taking part in the Eurovision fun with not one but two planned events for the Grand Finale. Their first night sold out so fast that a second date at Arch 12 on Dantzic Street - the former home of Runaway Brewery - was set up.
With party vibes, amazing drinks, and a Eurovision inspired street food lineup, this event has proved to be one of the biggest in town, and as it stands, both events are at full capacity, but keep an eye out on the social media accounts for any updates.
Arch 12 on Dantzic Street
Eurovision Final 2023 at Billingtons
Get the big screen experience at Billingtons in Oldham where you can spread out across the spacious venue complete with two bars, themed food and booths available for larger parties.
Seats are free but best to head to their website to bag a pass so you've defiantly sorted your seat . Booths are available to reserve for larger parties which can seat up to 11 people for a £50 reservation fee which will be returned as bar credit on the night. Get in touch with info@billington.co.uk to book.
3 Ascroft Street, Oldham, OL1 1HY, UK
Ducie Street Warehouse
The warehouse will host a Eurovision Disco Brunch at the restaurant on Saturday with DJ Fat Britney playing all the Eurovision classic hits from 11am until 4pm, followed by a Eurovision DJ set in the lounge with DJ Niallist until 8pm. We’re talking bottomless drinks and delicious brunch classics.
To top it off, a Eurovision watch party will be hosted in the lounge from 8pm until finish. You can book a table in the lounge via Open Table.
Manchester cinemas
For the first time, the Eurovision Song Contest final will be screened at more than 500 cinemas across the UK. Some Greater Manchester Cinemas that are showing the final include Vue Manchester Printworks, Vue Manchester Quayside, at The Lowry, as well as Odeon Manchester Great Northern and Odeon Trafford Centre.
A Vue spokesperson says: “We’re encouraging everyone to come as their biggest, brightest and most colourful selves, ready to get into the party spirit and sing, dance and cheer. It’s set to be the big screen party of the year with the Eurovision Grand Final showing in amazing picture quality and surround sound at all of our UK venues.”
Boutique cinema chain, Everyman, will also be hosting Eurovision watch parties up and down the country, with Manchester Eurovision enthusiasts heading to their cinema on Quay Street or George Street in Altrincham.
What can you expect? Well, an evening of cocktails, dancing and the live screening of the spectacle that is the Eurovision final. Each ticket will include entry to the event, a drink, snacks and a scorecard. Attendees are also encouraged to come in their best Eurovision fancy dress. Tickets can be bought via the Everyman website.
Everyman Manchester St. John’s, ABC Building, 23 Quay St, Manchester, M3 4AS.
New Century
New Century will host a party featuring plenty of street food, DJ sets and a fancy dress competition.
The Hanover Street venue will screen the final live from 8pm on Saturday night, with food available the likes of Zumuku Sushi, Wild By Ply, Spice Yard, and Banh Vi.
There will also be Eurovision-themed DJ sets in between performances, and a special cocktail which will raise money for Ukraine with £2 from those sold will go directly to Humanitarian charities the ongoing crisis.
Fancy dress is also highly encouraged, with prizes on the night for the best dressed. In addition, each guest will be seated a table representing all of the participating countries and the lucky winners will each win a £100 bar tab to use at a later date.
New Century, 34 Hanover Street, Manchester, M4 4AH.
Ducie Street
There will be a day of Eurovision-themed events taking place throughout the day of the grand final at Ducie Street Warehouse.
The venue's events will kick off with a disco brunch from 11am to 4pm featuring plenty of Eurovision hits and a set from DJ Fat Britney, with tickets going for £40 per person. The venue will then host a free pre-event party with DJ Niallist from 4pm until the grand final kicks off at 8pm.
The final will then be screened live from 8pm.
Ducie Street, Manchester, M1 2TP.
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