Leicester to host big screen showing for BBC One Eurovision Song Contest final

Swedish singer Loreen performs at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool
Loreen won last year's contest with her smash hit song Tattoo -Credit:Anthony Devlin/Getty Images


The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is being screened in Leicester. Fans are urged to book tickets now for a super-sized showing of one of the glitziest nights of the year.

The final takes place on Saturday, May 11, live from Malmo, in Sweden, after singer Loreen made history last year as the first woman to win the contest twice. Her song Tattoo was Sweden’s seventh win - a record-equalling victory that puts them level with Ireland.

The campy and glitzy final evening follows next week’s two semi-finals, all of which will be aired on BBC One. Eurovision fans can also get a slice of the action from the Vue Cinema at the Meridian Leisure Park in Braunstone as the site is among hundreds set to broadcast the grand final in big widescreen glory.

READ MORE: Leicestershire's illustrious but less than successful links to the Eurovision Song Contest

The move, which is courtesy of CinemaLive in conjunction with the BBC, follows similar efforts last year when the contest was held in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine. The tagline for the contest is ‘United By Music’, with organisers hoping that the cinema screenings do unite people in celebrating the biggest, brightest, boldest music party of the year on the big screen.

The final will be presented in 5.1 surround sound, with a whole host of fun expected on the night from the 26 finalists. The UK is being represented by former Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander with his song, Dizzy.

John Travers of CinemaLive, distributors of the event in cinemas said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s Grand Final live into cinemas across the UK for the second year in a row. We want audiences to enjoy themselves, come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and come together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen!”

Fancy dress is heavily encouraged by organisers with tickets for the grand final screening now available. More information, including the location of screenings and ticket prices, can be found on the Song Contest Cinema website. The Eurovision Song Contest grand final airs on BBC One from 8pm on Saturday, May 11.