Eurovision will be broadcast live in UK cinemas; TikTok confirmed as entertainment partner of Eurovision

For the first time in history, the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live in UK cinemas.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the event, has confirmed that the grand final of this year’s competition – which takes place on May 13 in the northern British city of Liverpool – will be broadcast to cinemas, where costumes and disguises will also be encouraged for sing-alongs.

After many years in which Britons despised the event, which they have not won since 1997, this year’s Eurovision Song Contest captured the imagination in Britain after British contestant Sam Ryder took second place last year.

Ukraine won, but Britain will host in their place as the war in the Eastern European country rages on.

Tickets for the Liverpool Arena seats – for the grand final plus two semi-finals and rehearsals – sold out within 40 minutes of going on sale.

In other Eurovision news:

TikTok has been confirmed as the competition’s entertainment partner for the second year running, meaning it will stream the event live on its platform

This announcement comes the same week that the British Parliament confirmed that it will ban the Chinese application of its devices and networks due to security concerns. Similar concerns have been raised in the US Congress.

The Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor for the EBU, Martin Osterdahl, said:

“Millions of new Eurovision Song Contest fans discovered the event via TikTok last year and we know millions more will be delighted by this year’s very special event in Liverpool.”

The competition will be moderated by talk show host Graham Norton, who has previously commented for the BBC. Teddy Lasso Star Hannah Waddingham, Britain has talent Judge Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.