Six places to watch Eurovision 2023 in Lancashire tonight

If you did not manage to get tickets for Liverpool, but don’t want to watch it at home, there are several viewing parties and celebrations taking place across Lancashire.

Rawtenstall Market is hosting a whole day of festivities, with live performances and food, before the live coverage kicks off at around 8pm.

Pubs will also be playing the competition, with drinks and cocktail offers.

Further afield,Blackpool Pleasure Beach has set up a Eurovision fan zone and, at the time of writing, tickets are still available.

Here are six of the best places across Lancashire to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2023:

1. Rawtenstall Market

Rawtenstall Market is turning into “the ultimate Eurovision party” today and people are encouraged to visit main market hall for a “larger than life viewing experience”.

A spokesperson said: “Immerse yourself in the magic of Eurovision as we stream all the dazzling performances, g vocals, and unforgettable moments right here in Rawtenstall.

“Indulge in a slice of perfection from Pizza Box, saver the gourmet delights from Ground Up, treat yourself to the mouth-watering flavours of Incabab, enjoy the delicious creations by Masons Creations, and of course, grab a drink from the CAF!

“So gather your friends, grab your flags, and let's make Saturday night the most memorable Eurovision experience yet!

“Don't miss out on the electrifying atmosphere, incredible food, and a night full of music, glitz, and pure Eurovision joy.”

Live coverage of the show starts at 8pm.

2. Sunnyhurst Pub, Darwen

A ‘cocktail party’ is planned at the Sunnyhurst today.

A spokesperson said: “Two special reasons to join us at the Sunnyhurst this Saturday - its International Cocktail Day and its Eurovision!

“To celebrate we have fabulous offers on aperol spritz and cosmopolitan cocktails, and shots all night!

“Cask ale, lagers and other drinks available along with sports channels.”

3. Moor Street Night Market, Ormskirk

Moor Street Night Market is hosting a Eurovision themed market, which will kick off at around 5pm.

There will be food stalls, cocktails, craft beer and live music.

Entry is free.

4. Chorley Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley

Chorley Theatre is showing the contest on its cinema screen.

Eurovision fans will be able to take to their seats with their friends in their local cinema to view a special preview of BBC Three’s new show ‘I Kissed a Boy’ presented by Dannii Minogue before the Grand Final takes place from 8pm. 

Doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £12.

5. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Fancy joining some likeminded Eurovision fans in a viewing zone? Then Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the place to go.

The viewing zone is located at the Paradise Room inside the theme park's Casino Building.

Tickets cost £20. Doors are open from 7pm until 1am.

6. The Gregson Community and Arts Centre, Lancaster

A Eurovision event has been planned for Ukranian refugees, in Preston.

The centre will be hosting an entire day’s worth of events and activities in celebration of this years’ Eurovision song contest and local Ukrainian community. The day will include:

• A Taste of Ukraine There will be a pop-up cafe, with a chance to buy Ukrainian food. Food available 1-9pm.
• Eurovision Pre-Party:There will be Ukrainian music, songs by previous Eurovision winners, children’s activities and even open mic opportunities. 5-8pm in main hall
• Eurovision Watch Party: from 8pm until late in the main hall.

The event is free.

Sam Ryder will perform alongside Queen drummer Roger Taylor during the Eurovision Song Contest grand final, it has been revealed.

The 33-year-old singer, who came second at last year’s contest in Turin with his track Space Man, will take to the stage at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday evening to perform his new single Mountain.

Mae Muller will attempt to follow in Ryder’s footsteps with her track I Wrote A Song, which features tongue-in-cheek lyrics about a cheating ex-boyfriend and a propulsive dance beat.