Line-up for Eurovision party

The Eurovision extravaganza, organised by Newcastle City Council in partnership with the BBC, will take place at Times Square on Saturday, May 13.

An array of amazing acts will perform to over 1,700 Europop fans ahead of the Eurovision grand final being broadcast live on a big screen from 8pm.

Newcastle was one of seven cities in the UK shortlisted to host the international music contest but after narrowly losing out to Liverpool, it was chosen to host an official party.

Cllr Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for a Resilient City, said: “Eurovision is the biggest and best music event in the world and we were immensely proud to have been shortlisted to host the event.

“Newcastle was a strong contender throughout the process and although we weren’t successful, we are delighted to be joining in on the celebrations by hosting an official party.

“There is a real buzz in the city for the Eurovision final and the party is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and watch it all unfold on the big screen.

“The event promises to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment with all the glitz and glam Eurovision is famous for.”

Starting at 4pm, award-winning drag performer and co-host Tess Tickle will get the event under way with a live DJ set.

Throughout the afternoon she will get the crowd in the party mood with karaoke and she will also perform with The Dragettes.

Joining Tess on stage to host the event is Ukrainian journalist and TV presenter Alex Fil.

Alex, who now lives in the North East, helped support Newcastle’s bid to become the host city.

Also on the bill is Capital North East drivetime host and former X Factor star Sam Lavery, as well as singers Natalie Hallett and John-Philip.

ABBA tribute act Voulez 2 will also take to the stage where they will perform the iconic Swedish group’s greatest hits.

Coverage of the Eurovision grand final starts at 8pm following a special Eurovision-themed episode of BBC One's The One Show.

Tickets for the Eurovision party have now sold out. A proportion of free tickets were given to Ukrainian residents who are living in the city.