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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Ellie Kemp

Eurovision 2023 - date, location, time, line up, presenters and how to watch

It's finally Eurovision week, and it's a huge deal for the north west as Liverpool hosts proceedings on behalf of Ukraine.

It's the first time the Song Contest has landed on British soil in 25 years. In 1998, Birmingham had the honour of hosting following Katrina and the Waves' victory with Love Shine A Light in 1997.

Last year, Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won the competition with 631 points for their performance of 'Stefania.' Brit Sam Ryder came second with 'Space Man,' but the UK is taking on hosting duties due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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All the action will unfold at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena, with thousands of locals and tourists expected to flock to the city. Liverpool has a dedicated 'EuroVillage' set up as a central hub of activity over the course of the dazzling event. Based at Liverpool's Pier Head, the EuroVillage will open its gates from Friday, May 5 until the Grand Final on Saturday, May 13.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of screenings and special events taking place across Manchester on the big night. Here is everything you need to know about when Eurovision is on TV, who is hosting and how to watch.

The semi-finals

There will be two semi-final heats in the lead-up to the Grand Final. Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina will be on hosting duties, while Scott Mills and Rylan will commentate.

Semi Final One takes place on Tuesday May 9. It will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm.

Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Sweden and Switzerland will all be competing for a place in the Grand Final during this semi final.

Semi Final Two takes place on Thursday May 11. It will be aired live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm.

Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, San Marino and Slovenia will be battling it out to get to the Grand Final.

The grand final

Eurovision's Grand Final takes place on Saturday, May 13, kicking off at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Hosts Julia, Hannah and Alesha will be joined by Eurovision and TV legend Graham Norton to present the final. Graham and Mel Giedroyc will take it in turns in the commentary box throughout the night.

26 countries, including the Big Five - Spain, Italy, France, United Kingdom and Germany - and 2022 winners Ukraine, will compete to be crowned Eurovision champions.

The final will open with a powerful performance from Kalush Orchestra titled ‘Voices of a New Generation’. Ukrainian acts GO_A, Jamala, Tina Karol, and Verka Serduchka are also set to perform during the night.

Sam Ryder will also be taking to the stage once again as the first interval act. He will be followed by 'The Liverpool Songbook,' a celebration of Liverpool's incredible contribution to the world of pop music.

Six iconic past Eurovision acts – Italy's Mahmood, Israel's Netta, Iceland's Daði Freyr, Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands, plus Liverpool's very own Sonia - will also come together for a special performance.

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