The EuroVillage at the Pier Head: Everything you need to know

There’ll be stars from every corner of music arriving in the city to celebrate the world-famous competition and to honour last year’s winning country, Ukraine.

Along with the song contest taking place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, the official EuroVillage at the Pier Head will be the beating heart of Eurovision.

Director of Culture Liverpool, Claire McColgan CBE, said:

“The official Eurovision Village is a key part of the Eurovision experience and, as with our whole host city offer, we wanted Liverpool’s programme to go above and beyond what you would normally expect in a fan zone.

“There will a true celebration of music and unity, with household names, international acts and up-and-coming talent taking to the stage and performing. Ukraine is of course the thread which runs through everything.”

So here’s everything you need to know about the Eurovision Village, including a day by day diary of who will be there and when, so you can get ready to party!

EuroVillage will be held at the Pier Head

Where is the EuroVillage?

Right where it should be, at the Pier Head with the stunning backdrop of the city’s waterfront, which eyes from around the world will soon be on.

When is the EuroVillage open?

The EuroVillage opens on Friday, May 5, and runs every day until the Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday, May 13.

What can I expect there?

Everything to celebrate Eurovision and the Ukraine. There’s a nine-day packed programme promising ‘fun, food, and fantastic music’, with one-off shows, live performances and DJ sets. Basically, it’s going to be one huge Eurovision party!

Will the EuroVillage pay tribute to Ukraine?

Absolutely. There’ll be an entire area, Discover Ukraine, dedicated to celebrating Ukrainian creatives, with a whole range of European food and drink on offer. So if you’re out and about with family and friends it’ll be a great place to soak up the Eurovision atmosphere.

How much do events at the EuroVillage cost?

The first eight days of the Eurovision Village will be free and non-ticketed. Only the ‘Grand Final Party on the Pier Head’ on Saturday, May 13, will be ticketed and those will be £15 a head, but the first wave of tickets released has already sold out.

And here’s what you can see when:

Friday, May 5, 5pm-1pm – Welcome to Eurotopia

The village will open with a performance from current Eurovision Champions Kalush Orchestra, and be followed by Welcome to Eurotopia – an extraordinary musical production created in collaboration between a supergroup of Liverpool and Ukrainian artists: Natalie McCool, Stealing Sheep, Helleroid, Krapka; KOMA and Iryna Muha. OMD’s Andy McCluskey, Red Rum Club, and psychedelic pop queen Jane Weaver, are among the group members.

Saturday, May 6, 10.30am-11pm – A Royally Good Party

The Village will open in the morning to show the BBC’s live coverage of the King’s Coronation, before Eurovision acts are welcomed on stage.

But Saturday in the village is all about The Royalty Ball, an extravaganza of costume, choreographed dance, and the best of the North West’s vogue scene. It will spring into action on a large runway at the heart of the village, hosted by Liverpool’s House of Suarez.

Sunday, May 7, 12 noon–4.18pm – Firstival

On Bank Holiday Sunday there’s a day-long kids’ festival with live performances, fab music and lots of fun from your favourites from CBBC and CBeebies, including a special set from Andy and the Odd Socks! You can also catch some amazing emerging local artists presented by LIMF Academy including neo-jazz singer Ni Maxine and vocal harmony band Mic Lowry, along with the great House Gospel Choir.

Monday, May 8, 12 noon-11pm – This is Ukraine

The afternoon will be a celebration of the best of new music with ‘BBC Introducing’ presenting an extraordinary line-up of Ukrainian music from Antytila, Go_A, alyona alyona and Jerry Heil.

Tuesday, May 9, 12 non- 11pm – Night at the Opera

Before screening the first semi-final live, will be the ‘English National Opera does Eurovision’.This one-off performance will see the world-renowned ENO Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Bell, joined by former Eurovision contestants and international opera stars to perform classical arrangements of some of Eurovision’s greatest hits.

Wednesday, May 10, 12 noon-11pm – United by Music

The National Lottery presents United by Music. The National Lottery and Music Venues Trust will host an evening of break out stars and music icons.

Thursday, May 11, 12 noon-11pm – Jamala presents QIRIM

Before screening the second semi-final live, former Eurovision winner Jamalawill wow audiences with the world premiere of her brand-new album, QIRIM, inspired by the folk songs of her native Crimea and performed alongside the BBC Philharmonic.

Friday, May 12, midday to midnight – EuroEve

As excitement reaches fever pitch ahead of the big day, Tik Tok’s Eurovision Legends will take over the stage before making way for an epic, all-female party to get everyone in the mood for Saturday. ‘EuroEve’ will feature live performances fromSophie Ellis Bextor and other pop powerhouses, and you’ll get the chance to see the amazing Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeonperform their very last show. It’s going to be great.

Saturday, May 13, 2pm until late – The Main Event*

The ‘Grand Final Party on the Pier Head’will see a mega line-up of pop acts and performances in the build-up to the main event. A very special main stage host will welcome acts including Katrina,formerly of Katrina and the Waves, and The Vengaboys before the village transforms into the biggest and best Eurovision viewing party on the planet!

* £15 per ticket