Eurovision Song Contest to be screened live across cinemas in the UK

The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened across cinemas in the UK.

The annual music spectacular takes place at the Malmö Arena in Sweeden on 11 May and will be broadcast on BBC One as usual but, in addition, will be broadcast on the big screens for the second year running where sing-a-longs with all of the 26 acts nal will be encouraged.

John Travers of CinemaLive, distributors of the event in cinemas said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s Grand Final live into cinemas across the UK for the second year in a row. We want audiences to enjoy themselves, come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and come together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen!”

This year, the UK will be represented by pop star Olly Alexander, 33, who will be performing the track 'Dizzy'.

Sweden - which is the home of iconic pop group ABBA, who won the show in 1974 with 'Waterloo' - is hosting Eurovision this year in Malmö, following their victory at the 2023 contest with the song 'Tattoo' performed by Loreen.

The 40-year-old singer won the title in Liverpool, England last year where - in a break from tradition because of the conflict in Ukraine - the runner-up hosted the competition.

Last year, Mae Muller landed in second-to-last place with UK entry 'I Wrote A Song' and Eurovision legend Sonia - who placed second in 1992 - returned to her hometown to perform 'Better the Devil You Know'.

The country has also staged the competition in Malmö in 1992 and 2013, in Stockholm in 1975, 2000 and 2016, and in Gothenburg in 1985.

Tickets for the screenings, presented in over 100 cinemas nationwide, are now on sale at songcontestincinemas.com.