The Eurovision Song Content Grand Final is being held in Liverpool on May 13 - but Birmingham is also getting a slice of the fun.
Brum is one of nine towns or cities set to have an official BBC screening of the major event. The free party and the big screen showing the final will be in Centenary Square as the UK hosts the contest on behalf of Ukraine - who won in 2022.
Ahead of the Grand Final broadcast at 8pm, a programme of live music, dance, performance has been planned to get you moving and grooving. Launching the programme at 3.30pm will be a special Eastern European folk dance and Ukrainian music presented by Centrala, an internationally recognised centre for Central and Eastern European Art and Artists, based in Birmingham.
The event will be hosted by 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. There’s also Massaoke, Big Fish Little Fish family Rave, Drum N Bounce and some of the best street food in Brum.
And during the show there will be a chance to vote for your favourite act and see how Birmingham voted alongside the rest of Europe. But that’s not all - several other venues are also hosting parties and events - for people to gather and have a great time together.
Top bars and music venues in the city will be hosting their own celebrations - which include drinks, games and even best dressed contests. So, if you want to take part - here are eight places in Birmingham hosting Eurovision parties:
1. Velvet Music Rooms, Birmingham
Velvet Music rooms is hosting a 9-hour celebration on May 13. They launched the ‘Eurovision all-dayer brunch type thingy!’ from 3pm to midnight - which will feature DJ Corey’s ‘back 2 the 90s’ aftershow rave, plus other DJs including The Divine Miss M and Scott Hilton. Eurovision fans heading to Velvet at 200 Broad Street will also enjoy a cabaret, plenty of quizzes, games and a cheesy raffle in support of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.
2. Old Joint Stock, St Phillips Square, Birmingham city centre
You can relax inside this Victorian building while joining in with a fun group to view Eurovision at the Old Joint Stock Theatre & Pub. Doors will open at 6pm for the viewing - which begins at 7pm. Expect games, cocktails, dancing, and even prizes for the best dressed. (Photo - Google Maps)
3. Escape Live, Jewellery Quarter
You can join a viewing party at the Escape Live venue with drinks, quizzes and plenty of music as well. Minimum booking is for 4 people and last orders wil be at Midnight. (Photo - Google Maps)
4. Flight Club Birmingham
Flight Club Birmingham will host a Eurovision Brunch Social that will include a cocktail on arrival, Prosecco, bottomless pizza and Social Darts. Tickets are from £30.00 - £35.00 and the event is taking place on May 13. (Photo - Flight Club Birmingham)