Eurovision Song Contest 2024: The best parties, quizzes and events taking place across Manchester this week

Just like clockwork, it's that time of year again when Eurovision fever truly sweeps all over the nation in anticipation for what is set to be a memorable evening of music, awkward language barriers, and spectacular outfits.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is already underway, with the first semi-final taking place last night. But the grand final on Saturday evening (May 11) is just around the corner and will see 26 acts compete in the ultimate music contest to try and win fame and glory, as well as a pretty nifty trophy.

Taking place in Malmö in Sweden, following Loreen's triumphant win with Tattoo in Liverpool last year, the event is set to feature an assortment of performers as well as a Swedish twist to proceedings. The country has won the contest five times, with their first win coming in 1974 thanks to ABBA's megahit Waterloo.

READ MORE: Two-time Eurovision winner announces big UK and European tour - with show in Manchester

Representing the United Kingdom this year will be Years & Years frontman and It's A Sin star Olly Alexander with his song Dizzy, which, if the teasers are anything to go by, is set to be a very dramatic and engaging performance. Like Germany, France, Italy, Spain and host nation Sweden, the UK automatically made it through to the final - with the rest of the grand final's performers having had to successfully get through their semi-final first.

As always, Eurovision fans celebrate the contest in a number of ways whether that it through house gatherings (with individual point systems for each attendee), or all-out parties and events. Thankfully, Manchester is one of the best places to be when it comes to celebrating Eurovision.

This year, there are plenty of viewing parties, silent disco events, DJ takeovers and quiz nights where you can root on your favourite performers, dress up in spectacular fashion and just have a generally amazing Eurovision-themed time. We've rounded up just a handful of some of the events taking place in the city and beyond.

Iconic Bar

For anyone who wants wall-to-wall coverage of the week’s events, Iconic Bar is the place for you. The venue is hosting viewing parties for both semi-finals on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th. They’ll be providing scorecards and flags for you to get behind your favourite countries.

For the big final on Saturday, they’ll kick off the night the same way, then everyone is invited for a huge party afterwards, where you can dance your heart out to all the Eurovision classics till the early hours. And, best of all, entry for this event is completely free! Although it is set to be very popular so it’s worth securing a ticket in advance.

Iconic Bar, 29 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3NB.

Walking Silent Disco Adventure

If you just cannot wait till 7pm on Saturday to celebrate the final, why not book on the Eurovision Silent Disco Adventure trail during the day. Beginning at the fountains outside the Corn Exchange, you will then be guided by your charismatic Disco Hosts to boogie your way across Manchester City Centre. For one day only, your headphones will be streaming everybody’s favourite Euro-pop hits from across the years.

The tour lasts an hour and is the perfect way to celebrate Eurovision whilst soaking up the sunshine. This is a great option for families, as children are welcome for a discounted rate. Book here.

The Cockatoo Club

Offering a classier way to watch all three Eurovision shows, is the Cockatoo Club on Richmond Street. A Cabaret and cocktail bar with a distinctly 1920s feel, this venue will allow you to enjoy the performances in style. Indulge in table service all night, serving a wide selection of charcuterie boards and classic cocktails.

This club will be screening the events on Tuesday 7th, Thursday 9th and the grand finale on Saturday 11th. Each night promises an after-show party, playing all your favourite Eurovision classics. You can pre-book tables for free via their Facebook page.

The Cockatoo Club, 20 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3ND.

Malaga Drift Coffee Lounge & Bar, Eccles

Another option for the big Saturday night final is Malaga Drift’s Eurovision Party. Here you’ll have the opportunity to get stuck in with a quiz and bingo. There will also be a raffle, so plenty of prizes are up for grabs throughout the evening.

Fancy dress and good fun are on the agenda, so bust out your sequins and get ready to dance!

Malaga Drift Coffee Lounge & Bar, 1 Church Street, Eccles, Salford, M30 0DL.

Freight Island

With the weather on Saturday expected to be the best so far, why not enjoy the Eurovision festivities in Manchester’s biggest and best open-air food hall. You can gather round to watch the show on a giant screen, whilst enjoying all the great food and drink Freight Island has to offer.

You will feel part of the party here, with DJs and performers to keep you entertained all night long. There will also be plenty of opportunities for your own time in the spotlight with mass-karaoke on offer. This is, again, free to book online in advance.

Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PZ.

Eagle Bar

Is Eurovision your specialist subject? Well, seize the opportunity to flex your euro-pop knowledge this Thursday (May 9). If three live shows in one week isn’t enough for you, Eagle Bar is offering a very special ‘Let’s Get Quizzical with Lola’ show on Thursday night.

If your Eurovision trivia is up to scratch, you could win a £50 jackpot! With entry costing only £3, drum up a team of up to 6 people to win the prize and have a great time.

The Eagle Bar, 15 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3HZ.

Bar Pop

At the heart of Canal Street, this club will be hosting a viewing party on Saturday 11 May. With doors opening at 7pm, you will have plenty of time to get seated and get comfortable before the action starts.

After the show, their weekly DIVAS Cabaret Showcase will commence, so you can get some of that Eurovision glamour in person. If you’re in the mood for a good party, this place, and the crowds it draws every weekend will not disappoint. More details here.

Bar Pop, 10 Canal Street, Manchester, M1 3EZ.

Various Cinemas

If going out on the town isn’t for you this year, but you still want to spend your Saturday night out of the house, cinemas across the country will be streaming the Saturday night final Live. Enjoy the comfort of your local cinema and your favourite movie time snacks whilst watching the best Europe has to offer battle it out for the win.

Participating Manchester Cinemas: Everyman Manchester St, Johns, Vue Manchester Printworks, Cineworld Didsbury, The Light Cinema Stockport, Everyman Altrincham, The Light Cinema Bolton, Cineworld Warrington, Vue Preston. More details here.