When tickets for Eurovision 2023’s nine audience shows went on sale on March 7, they sold out within 90 minutes. Thankfully for the many fans who missed out, cinemas across the UK will be broadcasting the Grand Final and will be seeking to create a party atmosphere for attendees.
Earlier today, it was announced the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live in over 500 cinemas across the UK for the first time, with tickets going on sale on Mondau (27 May).
With around 54,000 tickets being available for the shows, the demand clearly still outstripped demand. In response to this, cinemas across the UK will offer fans the chance to experience the Grand Final in a communal environment.
The event will be distributed by CinemaLive who gave the following statement:
We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the first time ever. We want audiences to enjoy themselves, come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and come together to enjoy this historic occasion on the big screen.
John Travers, representative of CinemaLive
Among the participating cinemas will be Vue Cinemas:
Eurovision is one of the biggest television events of the year, and is set to be bigger than ever in the UK this year as Liverpool plays host, so we are thrilled to be bringing it to the big screen for the first time. Every song, every vote and every larger than life moment will be live streamed in amazing picture and sound quality for fans to enjoy with each other in the comfort of our premium seating.
Robert Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue Entertainment
Tickets for the cinema screenings will be available to buy on Monday March 27 at 10am from ukcinemaparty.com. You can also book directly via Vue’s website here.
Eurovision and the silver screen
It’s important to note that this is not a new phenomenon; other participating countries have been screening Eurovision live shows for the past few years. In 2017, France Télévisions signed an agreement with CGR Cinemas which saw the contest broadcast live in 41 cities across the country. Spain has also followed suit and has been broadcasting the Grand Final across cinemas since 2018. In addition, the Netherlands have broadcast the Grand Final in cinemas nationally in both 2019 (the year they won) and 2021 (the year they hosted).
Further, the contest formed the basis for Netflix’s feature film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga back in 2020. The film went on to receive a nomination for Best Original Song at the 2021 Oscars for “Husavik”.
Will you be attending a screening? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to Eurovision 2023.
