Eurovision party confirmed in Birmingham's Centenary Square
More details have been released ahead of celebrations next month.
Birmingham will be celebrating the UK hosting the Eurovision Song Contest with a giant free party in Centenary Square next month.
The final will be live streamed on a big screen from 8pm, with special effects and surprises along the way.
Ahead of the broadcast, a family-friendly programme of live music, dance and performance will be hosted by Birmingham-based drag extraordinaire Fatt Butcher, alongside Ginny Lemon, from Season 2 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
There 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.
There's also the chance for people 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.
Whilst there will be a chance to enjoy the finest food and drink offering from Birmingham street food traders, attendees are also welcome to bring picnics (subject to terms and conditions of entry).
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.”
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!”
The Birmingham Eurovision Fan Zone will be live from 3.30pm ahead of the Liverpool finals being broadcast at 8pm on 13 May 2023.