THIS year’s Eurovision Song Contest is to be live-streamed to Castle Lawn in Tonbridge, for “a gigantic celebration that the area needs”.
Tickets for the official ceremony in Liverpool on May 13 sold out in 35 minutes, and “demand to join in the party is spilling out everywhere” said Andy Brett, the long-time organiser of the Tonbridge Music Weekend.
“My friends said to me, ‘Andy, we love Eurovision. Won’t you organise a party?’”
Liverpool won the bid to host the contest in the UK on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine, but the true hosts of the contest will be honoured with a special Ukrainian guest list at the Tonbridge event, he said.
“I am inviting 50 Ukrainian nationals to attend, and offering them a free ticket to the event, so they can support their country in this year’s event, having won it last year.”
Meanwhile, he is planning Facebook advertising of the event, which will allow locally based Ukrainians to message him for half-price tickets.
The BBC broadcast of the show will be live-streamed to a giant screen on Castle Lawn, with food and drink available in the enclosure. Flags and national dress are encouraged.
“I love music, and I love people having a good time,” said Andy.
The Eurovision Final Live Stream will be held on Castle Lawn, Tonbridge Castle, on May 13 at 5.30-11.30pm. Full-price tickets are £16 (adult) and £6 (child), plus booking fee.
Tickets can be bought through the link at: tonbridgecastle.org
