‘Go big or go home’ is pretty much the number-one unspoken rule of Eurovision. And as you might expect, this year’s host city Liverpool is going really, really, really big.
The northern city is hosting all sorts of art and music events throughout May to mark the occasion. Installations will pop up around the city, with 24 new cultural commissions and a ‘supergroup’ of Ukrainian and Liverpudlian musicians planned to welcome the swathes of Eurovision fans to the city.
But if you didn’t think the programme was quite extra enough already, don’t worry. There’s now an entire ‘village’ set to open up its doors in the week before the main event. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Eurovision Village?
The Eurovision Village is going to be the main hub in Liverpool for fans and locals to bathe in the Eurovision buzz. It will open on May 5 and host a nine-day bash in the run-up to the main event. There will be one-off show, live performances, DJs and special guest appearances. Each day will have a different theme and headliner.
Where is it?
It will be on Liverpool’s Pier Head, which overlooks the River Mersey.
What is the Eurovision Village line-up?
Friday, May 5, 5pm to 11pm – Welcome to Eurotopia
the opening night will feature a performance from last year’s Ukrainian winners, Kalush Orchestra.
They will be followed by Welcome to Eurotopia, a ‘musical odyssey’ supergroup made up of Scouse and Ukrainian artists.
Saturday, May 6, 10.30am to 11pm – A Royally Good Party
The village will show the BBC’s live coverage of King Charles’s coronation, before a range of Eurovision acts are welcomed to the stage.
The Royalty Ball will then commence to bring together the very best of northern England’s vogue scene, hosted by Liverpool’s House of Suarez.
Sunday, May 7, midday to TBC – Firstival
A kid’s festival will take place in the village for the bank holiday.
Emerging local artists will also perform including neo-jazz singer Ni Maxine and the House Gospel Choir.
Monday, May 8, midday to 11pm – This is Ukraine
BBC Introducing will bring a selection of emerging artists to the village alongside a line-up of Ukrainian music.
Tuesday, May 10, midday to 11pm – Night at the Opera
On May 10 we’ll be blessed with a one-off performance of the English National Opera ‘doing Eurovision’. What exactly does that involve, you ask? Well, the company will be joined by former Eurovision contestants and international opera stars to perform classical arrangements of some of Eurovision’s greatest hits. Nice.
Wednesday, May 10, midday to 11pm – United by Music
This will see The National Lottery and Music Venues Trust programme an evening of breakout stars and music icons.
Thursday, May 11, midday to 11pm – Jamala presents QIRIM
Ukraine’s 2016 Eurovision winner, Jamala, will debut her new album inspired by the folk songs of her native Crimea and perform alongside the BBC Philharmonic.
Friday, May 12, midday to midnight – EuroEve
The evening before the big show will feature live performances from some female pop icons including Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Saturday, May 13, 2pm to late – The Main Event
As well as a screening of the grand finale, the Eurovision village will have a special programme of performers leading up to the evening show. Katrina, of Katrina and the Waves fame, and The Vengaboys, will both be taking to the stage.
Do you need tickets for the Eurovision Village?
The first eight days are completely free and non-ticketed – you just show up. However, for the Grand Finale Party on Saturday, May 13, you’ll need to get your hands on some tickets to get in. There is a limit of four tickets per person.
How much are they?
For the Grand Finale Party, tickets are £15 per person. Tickets are on sale here.
ICYMI: Liverpool has announced its Eurovision programme.
Plus: Everything you need to know about King Charles’s coronation.