And so it’s finally happened: Eurovision is back on our shores. It’s fair to say a lot has changed since the song contest was lasted hosted here back in 1998 – but the competition is still the most camp, most sparkly and most anticipated geopolitical event going.
The very competition that has given us Abba and Måneskin is taking place in Liverpool this week, and it’s all systems go. The week-long event is taking place at the city’s M&S Bank Arena, with the grand finale happening on May 13. And, even if you missed out on the ticket scramble for the IRL event, you can still join in with all of the fun.
From hosting your own at-home Eurovision viewing party to catching a screening in a bar or cinema, there are heaps of options. Here’s everything you know about how to watch the mighty competition.
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How can I watch the Eurovision 2023 final in the UK?
All of the shows will be broadcast live and available to watch on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel, as well as on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Vue cinemas across the country will also be screening the Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday May 13. The show will kick off at 8pm.
What time does coverage start?
Grand Final
The big event will be broadcast at 8pm on Saturday, May 13 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It will last four around four hours and a winner will be crowned at midnight.
2022 winners Kalush Orchestra will open the show, while the UK’s Sam Ryder will entertain us during the first interval. Former Eurovision acts Netta (Israel), Mahmood (Italy), Daði Freyr (Iceland), Duncan Laurence (Netherlands), Cornelia Jakobs (Sweden) and Sonia (a Liverpool native) will put on a ‘celebration of the city’s contribution to pop music’. The UK’s entrant for 2023, Mae Muller, will be performing last.
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