Eurovision parties in London 2019: Where to watch the final and celebrate the song contest this year

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Lizzie Thomson19 May 2019

Brace yourselves for some seriously kitsch songs and stage antics — the world's favourite singing contest is almost here.

The final of Eurovision will take place in Tel Aviv on May 18 and the theme for the 64th year is “dare to dream", so no doubt we should expect a mix of cringe-worthy and emotional patriotic entries.

London is set to come alive with Eurovision parties, ideal for those looking to cheer on the UK’s 2019 entry, Michael Rice, or simply raise a glass to their country of choice.

Here’s where to celebrate the weird and wonderful world of Eurovision in the capital.

Alternative Eurovision at Underbelly Southbank​​

Back for its 10th year, the Alternative Eurovision party returns to Underbelly Southbank. Guests should expect both crazy and classic cabaret performances, all with a sprinkling of the festival’s trademark weirdness. Acts including Vikki Stone, Desmond O'Connor, Victoria Falconer, Amber Topaz, Tom Mones, Myra Dubois, Carol Cates and The Ruby Darlings will battle it out to be crowned the 2019 champion. Anna Greenwood is also back to host this year’s contest, which takes place the night before Eurovision, May 17.

May 17, 30 The Queen's Walk, SE1 8XX, underbellyfestival.com

Eurovision Party London

What better way to watch the contest up close than on a giant cinema screen? This annual event at Rio Cinema in Dalston will pay homage to this year's host city Tel Aviv, with Israeli food and Euro-themed cocktails. Those looking to fully immerse themselves in the action can take part in a Eurovision karaoke battle, running from 7pm, with a trophy on offer for the best performance. The screening will start at 8pm and is expected to run until midnight, but the extravaganza doesn’t stop there — after the show, DJ Dave Simmons will take to the decks for some old school Eurovision anthems.

May 18, 107 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB, riocinema.org.uk

Eurodisco at Bethnal Green Working Men’s club

Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is encouraging revellers to fly a flag for their chosen country and come dressed as their favourite nation. The party will be showing the final from 8pm with acts waiting in the wings to entertain during the slower parts of the live screening. After the contest, DJ Safari Phil will be playing Euro-disco hits to keep the party going into the early hours.

May 18, 42-44 Pollard Row, E2 6NB, workersplaytime.net

Bierschenke​

This Munich-inspired London beer hall promises guests will be treated to “a bunch of men in leather shorts” — it doesn’t get much more Eurovision than that. Lederhosen aside, Bierschenke also promises Eurovision anthems and other great musical hits from DJ Dave, who will be filling the gaps before and after the show. The venue will screen the contest across 12 screens — so no need to worry about missing any of the musical efforts.

May 18, 4 Blomfield St, EC2M 5NT, bierschenke.co.uk

Eurovision Party Waterloo at the Windmill

It makes sense to celebrate Eurovision at the spot that inspired ABBA’s 1974 UK entry. This Fuller’s pub in Waterloo is going all out for the event with balloons and confetti, along with five screens (including a projector) to bring all the action in Tel Aviv to the capital. Arrival is from 7pm and a special Eurovision wheel of fortune game will be running in the hour before the show, with prizes at the bar. Guests can also fill in scorecards with estimates of the final scores and the closest entry will win the biggest prize of the night.

May 18, 86 The Cut, SE1 8LW, windmillwaterloo.co.uk​

The Water Poet Eurovision Party

Shoreditch pub the Water Poet may have closed its doors but its annual Eurovision party lives on, and this year will take place at its sister pub the Crown and Shuttle. Located just over the road, the new venue promises all the same components including Eurovision tunes and photobooths, not to mention many screens showing the competition. There will also be a costume competition running this year, with the theme of “toys” in honour of the 2018 winning song.

May 18, 226 Shoreditch High St, E1 6PJ, crownandshuttle.com

Eurovision: The London Screening at the Glory

Supposedly contest royalty Graham Norton once said this spot was one of London’s best Eurovision pub nights We'd say he's right and the venue will be embracing this claim to fame as it puts on its annual two-floor screening, with live acts including drag legends Ma Butcher and Jacqui Potato, plus special guests Holestar and John Ryan. Downstairs will host a seated lounge dedicated to die-hard fans, while upstairs will be reserved for those who want to get a little rowdier. If you already have plans for Saturday, the Glory is also putting on a Eurovision Eve event on Friday night, with a special cabaret show.

May 17-18, 281 Kingsland Rd, E2 8AS, theglory.co

The very best of what's on in London this May

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