While our Merseyside neighbours may be this year’s hosts, Manchester never passes on a chance to throw the biggest, best and most unapologetically cheesy parties in the country to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest.
From stand-up sets to all-night discos, here are some of the best Eurovision watch parties around Manchester.
Hosted by Manchester comedy tsar Jonathan Mayer, drag-circuit staple The Dame Edna Experience returns with an evening of ‘belly laughs and top vocals on tap’ to celebrate the shameless flamboyance of Eurovision. Kicking off at an earlier time of 6pm, the event features a razor-sharp pre-show stand-up set before Dame Edna offers biting commentary on the live stream, shown on the club’s big screen.
With the Club Academy allocation already sold out, Manchester University Students’ Union hosts a second Eurovision party in Bar 532. Open to students and the public for tables of 10, 6 or 2 with a half-pitcher of cocktail for each person, the cheesy extravaganza promises an immersive atmosphere with party bags, inflatables, flags, drinks deals and themed bingo all on offer.
Operating on a first-come-first-served basis with no advance tickets available, the annual Pop Curious? Eurovision Party returns to Area with a big screen and several others dotted around the venue to ensure uninterrupted viewing wherever you end up. Following the stream, an all-out Eurovision Disco runs until 3am with classic contest tunes from Sonia, Bucks Fizz, Sertab Erener, Loreen, Verka Serduchka and more – though perhaps not Lordi.
Open from 6.30pm with a post-contest indie bash running until 4am, Venue’s vibrant celebration features two big screens and all-night drinks deals and, while they don’t do food, are happy for you to bring your own or even order some in.
Tickets for the screening are standing-room only.
Encouraging elaborate fancy dress and ‘your most chaotic dance moves’, Everyman Manchester hosts an unforgettable 4-hour watch party in its plush, cavernous cinema with tickets including drinks, a snackpot and even a score card.
Featuring special cocktails, fancy dress, themed DJ sets and a selection of irresistible dishes, New Century Kitchen’s massive Eurovision Party invites guests to take their seats at free tables, each designated a different competing country, to watch the contest on the big screen from 8pm – with the winning country’s table receiving a £100 bar tab. Winners of the fancy dress competition get VIP dinner and drinks at New Century Kitchens with an overnight stay at The Alan, while runners up receive tickets to see ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again at New Century Hall on Sat 16 Dec.
Book your table via hello@newcenturymcr.com
With face-painting, flag-waving, food stalls and free entry, the official Manchester Eurovision Fan Zone promises to bring the uninhibited party atmosphere to the city centre for a night of large-scale celebrations. Entry is first-come-first-served, and visitors are allowed to bring their own food and soft drinks (no alcohol or glass bottles).
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Thu 11 May 2023
Following a Eurovision Disco Brunch and a free pre-show party, Ducie Street Warehouse caps its bumper Saturday schedule with an unmissable live stream watch party in the lounge from 8pm, with tables available for groups of mates at no cost beyond food and drinks orders.