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:
5. Odeon cinemas - UK wide
At Odeon Cinemas across the country, the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final show will be broadcast live. This is yet to be confirmed, according to Odeon’s website. (Photo - Adobe stock images) | chrisdorney - stock.adobe.com
6. Fatt Butcher hosts Birmingham’s official Eurovision party in Centenary Square
The Grand Final will be broadcast on a big screen at 8pm with a free party and events from 3.30pmi, including a workshop with Musical Kitchen, Massaoke - the world’s biggest group sining party experience - Big Fish Little Fish family rave, Drum N Bounce dance fitness, Kyiv-based Ukrainian DJ Vlad Yaremchuk and Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills’ curated Eurovision classics on the big screen. Brum’s best street food traders will also be on hand to keep you refreshed. | Jonathan Hipkiss
7. Big weekender at Hop Garden, Harborne
On May 13, you can watch the finals at Hop Garden on a big TV. The bar time has been extended for the song contest, gather your friends and family to have a great time outdoors with amazing music. (Photo - Google Maps) | google maps
8. Bierkeller, Birmingham city centre
Bierkeller is hosting the ultimate watch party from 9pm on Saturday 13th May to cheer on our favourite countries and artists in the biggest music competition in the world. There will be delicious drinks, and fantastic food, all while watching the Eurovision Song Contest on our big screens. So, get ready to gather your friends and sing and dance the night away together. Prior booking is necessary to reserve a spot. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google