Birmingham’s official Eurovision 2023 party in Centenary Square: free events & performances, times & more

Birmingham is joining the huge celebrations as the UK hosts Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine - who are unable to host due to the Russian invasion.

There’s going to be a giant free party in Centenary Square - which is hosting one of several official fan zones across the UK as the Grand Final is hosted in Liverpool - featuring a big screen and and an exciting programme of performances from local stars including Birmingham-based drag extraordinaire Fatt Butcher, alongside Ginny Lemon, from Season 2 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, who featured in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony flying in a giant lemon shaped hot air balloon

The Birmingham Eurovision Fan Zone will be live from 3.30pm ahead of the Liverpool finals being broadcast at 8pm on Saturday, May 13. The Grand Final will be live streamed from BBC One on a big screen from 8pm, with special effects and surprises along the way - including a chance to vote for your favourite act and see how Brum voted alongside the rest of Europe.

Who is performing and what activities can I expect at the Eurovision party at Centenary Square in Birmingham city centre?

Ahead of the broadcast will be a family-friendly programme of live music, dance, performance and more to get you moving. The event will be hosted by Birmingham-based drag extraordinaire Fatt Butcher, alongside Ginny Lemon, from Season 2 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, as detailed above.

Launching the programme at 3.30pm will be a special Eastern European folk dance and Ukrainian music presented by Centrala, the centre for Central and Eastern European Art and Artists based in Birmingham.

As well as watching beautiful performances, you’ll get the chance to make music together too. Take part in a workshop with Musical Kitchen, led by Iryna Muha – a Ukrainian-born singer, musical artist and band leader with musicians from Creane Creatives.

Participants will be invited to make music and share stories about their ‘BaBas’ – whether it’s your mum, aunty or granny – which will be used as inspiration for the workshop’s activities.

Headlining the live programme with two shows will be Massaoke - the world’s biggest group sing-along party experience! Accompanied by giant video lyrics for you to sing along to, we guarantee an electric atmosphere peppered with well-known Eurovision hits. Expect sequins, spandex, rock star poses and infinite air guitar before the big event is broadcast on the giant screen.

Big Fish Little Fish will be bringing the rave to the family. Families of all ages can let loose on a dance floor filled with bubbles, snow foam, wing dancers, confetti cannons and a giant parachute dance finale.

Blending heaps of energy with classical aerobic dance moves set to a a heavy drum ‘n bass soundtrack, Drum N Bounce will lead a fast-paced inclusive dance fitness session to get you dancing and smiling.

Bounce your way through Europop, bassline classics and mixes by Kyiv-based Ukrainian DJ Vlad Yaremchuk from Ukrainian Association of Music Events as we raise money for Music Saves UA - a non-profit fundraising initiative providing humanitarian help to those who need it most right now in Ukraine.

Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills’ curated Eurovision Classics will be on the big screen bringing party vibes and a chance to watch fan favourite Eurovision hits from past and present.

Food and drinks

Birmingham street food traders will offer their finest food and drink offering but you can also bring picnics (subject to terms and conditions of entry).

What Ginny Lemon said about hosting Birmingham’s Eurovision party

Ginny Lemon, star of BBC’s Ru Paul’s Drag Race and host of the event said: “I am delighted and so so excited to be hosting this event as a massive Eurovision fan, Ukrainian music enthusiast and queen of the West Midlands.

“I feel like I have a won the lottery and feel very honoured to celebrate Eurovision 2023 in Birmingham to show our support to Ukraine and Liverpool! Please come along and let’s have the best Eurovision party ever, all together!”

What Birmingham City Council said about Birmingham’s Eurovision party

Cllr Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Digital, Heritage, Culture and Tourism, at Birmingham City Council, said: “We are so excited to be hosting one of the UK’s official Eurovision Fan Zones, with some fantastic local and Ukrainian talent and lots of fun for all ages in the build up to the Grand Final in Centenary Square on 13 May.

“Following our bid to host this year’s Eurovision in Birmingham, we see this as a real opportunity to celebrate Ukrainian culture and community – so we are throwing this party on Ukraine’s behalf.”