Calling all Eurovision fans – the time has finally come for the all-singing, all-dancing (and who knows what else!) Euro Party! The grand final of the competition will be hosted in Turin on Saturday 14th May, and by far the best place to watch the spectacle will be at open-air venue Central Park in Times Square (pictured). Dressing up, cheering on the good (and bad!) acts and high drama aplenty are the order of the evening.
To get you in the mood, we’ve come up with a (possibly slightly tenuous) list of activities you can enjoy in Newcastle based around this year’s favourites!
Mahmood & Blanco’s emotional song Brividi represents reigning champs Italy’s submission. Newcastle’s not short of excellent Italian restaurants, but firm favourite Pani’s was the first true family-run Italian street cafe in Newcastle, having opened in 1995. Authentic and delicious, give their rustic and flavourful menu a try!
Sweden’s track by Cornelia Jakobs, Hold Me Closer, is a string-laden euphoric lament. If all the Eurovision tension is getting to you, ease it away with an invigorating and therapeutic Swedish massage from At Sisters Hair & Beauty on Pink Lane.
Chanel’s dance-fuelled track SloMo represents Spain. Why not brush up on your Spanish language skills ahead of Chanel’s energetic performance by enrolling on a Spanish language course at The Language Centre in Old Eldon Square!
Greece’s entry, the cheerfully named Die Together by Amanda Tenfjord, is a curious ode to eternal love. Cheer yourself up after all that emotion with some authentic food courtesy of family-run Greek taverna Simply Greek (pictured) in the Bigg Market.
Unusually, our very own entry – the upbeat rocky number, Space Man by Sam Ryder – is also in the top 10. Newcastle’s version of musical patriotism should probably entail some kind of fog/Tyne-based activity, but we’ll settle with fish and chips from the Clayton Street Chippy and a wander along the Quayside!
At the end of our (as we said, tenuous) Eurovision rundown, we're also conscious that the loving community of Eurovision are right behind Ukraine’s entry. Kalush Orchestra’s track Stefania is the hot favourite, a fun blend of rap and folk music which is an ode to mother figures. If you want to lend your support, you could consider donating to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Whoever you end up supporting in this year's competition, Newcastle's huge variety of multi-cultural businesses are sure to be able to help you celebrate!
