Birmingham residents came out in large numbers to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Finale 2023 at Centenary Square yesterday (May 13). The big prize was taken home by Swedish singer-songwriter Loreen.
With the UK hosting Eurovision in place of Ukraine, the art and culture charity Centrala kicked off the celebrations by presenting Ukrainian folk music by Iryna Muha and Melisa Kogut. It was followed by Romanian folk dance ensemble Tezaur taking the stage and engaging the group with their beautiful performance.
The family-friendly celebrations also included the Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave and it followed more song and dance. People wore amazing costumes and took complete advantage of the lovely weather to enjoy the day out with family and friends.
With Sweden winning this year, they are tied with Ireland, which has won Eurovision seven times. Loreen, 39, was the first woman to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice. Her first win was in 2012.
“It feels surreal. It feels wonderful. Isn’t it wonderful?” she said. “This is so beautiful. One feeling I have in my body that’s taken over is just gratitude. I feel so thankful to all you guys.”
If you were out in Centenary Square yesterday, you might catch yourself in some of the amazing photos from the day.
Here are 22 images from Centenary Square’s big party for Eurovision 2023 in Birmingham:
1. Eurovision fan zone in Birmingham Centenary Square party
(Photo - Chris Egan)
2. Eurovision fan zone in Birmingham Centenary Square party
(Photo - Chris Egan)
3. Eurovision fan zone in Birmingham Centenary Square party
(Photo - Chris Egan)
4. Eurovision fan zone in Birmingham Centenary Square party
(Photo - Chris Egan)