Leeds fans can join in with the excitement of the Eurovision Song Contest from a huge BBC Fanzone at Millennium Square next weekend.
Since the announcement that the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 would be held in the United Kingdom, the buzz around the event has been bigger than ever. Although Leeds lost out on the chance to host the event, a huge Fanzone will be erected at Millennium Square so the city can join in on the nationwide party.
There will be live screenings of the semi-finals and the final on a big screen along with live music and DJ sets to help celebrate. The event will take place in a specially created area with different seating options available on a first-come-first-serve.
The space will also have a fully stocked licensed bar, delicious hot food stalls and drink concession stalls. All tickets will be provided on a pay-as-you-decide basis and all funds raised will be donated to Leeds City Council’s Leeds Together For Ukraine appeal.
After the main event on Saturday May 13, fans can enjoy incredible live performances from British pop artist Michael Rice who represented the United Kingdom at the song contest back in 2019. The star will be performing his UK Top 10 single ‘Bigger Than Us’ as well as brand-new single ‘Gotta Go Dancing’.
It wouldn’t be a Eurovison celebration without our favourite 70’s Sweddish band, so of course the UK’s leading ABBA tribute band Planet Abba will be taking to the stage. Performing the legendary winning song for Eurovision 1974 ‘Waterloo’ along with classic party anthems such as ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia.’
Hosting and DJ’ing the event will be International multi-award-winning drag queen St Sordid Secret alongside 2010 Drag Idol Leeds winner Cherry Pops.
Ali Liaqat, Director of Leeds Pride, said: “We are thrilled that Leeds has been chosen as an official Eurovision Fanzone and we were asked by Leeds City Council to help put together a live music programme including 2019 Eurovision contestant Michael Rice.
“This is going to be such a great occasion for the city to come together to celebrate one the greatest shows on earth and we can’t wait to get the party started in style with all the best Eurovision hits from renowned DJs and hosts St Sordid Secret and Cherry Pops”.
Leeds was one of seven cities in the United Kingdom shortlisted to host the contest and was subsequently chosen to host an official fanzone. Liverpool was chosen as the venue for the contest after it was decided last year’s winners Ukraine would be sadly unable to host.
The fanzone is completely free to attend on Tuesday May 9th and Thursday May 11th with live coverage of the event from 8pm-10pm. The celebrations for the final on May 13 will start with entertainment from 4:30pm with coverage from the BBC starting from 7:30pm.
Eurovision will be giving fans a chance to donate to the Leeds Together for Ukraine appeal, as the UK is hosting on the county’s behalf.
E-tickets will be available online from Tuesday, May 2 at 12pm and are limited to four per person. A number of tickets will also be made available on the door for those wishing to attend on the day on a strictly first come first served basis. All persons under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
You can get tickets here or contact Leeds Ticket Hub on 0113 376 0318.
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