The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest is nearly here and it’s genuinely one of our favourite events of the year, so we’ve already started shortlisting places to watch it right here in Manchester.
With the contest itself starting on Tuesday, 9 May and the Eurovision Grand Final taking place on 13 May, there’s still plenty of time to plan where you’re going to watch it.
The city might have just missed out on hosting it this year but since it’s just down the road in Liverpool, is going to be a big occasion not only for the UK in general but the North West, in particular. The competition is even set to be shown on big screens in Piccadilly Gardens.
That being said, there are only going to be so many seats in the Gardens and we don’t want you to miss a second of the fun, so if you’re still wondering where to watch Eurovision in Manchester this year, here are 10 great options.
We’re going to start with one of our favourites and a bit of throwback to our uni days with the University of Manchester‘s Student Union. The SU over at UoM usually holds an annual watch-along party for Eurovision and this year is no different. Tickets for the Club Academy go quick but they’re also holding a screening upstairs in the main bar, so best grab yours quick.
Second on our list is one of the best places to watch movies in town, so why wouldn’t it be just as good a spot to watch Eurovision? A ticket to Everyman‘s viewing party includes entry a drink on arrival, snacks and a scorecard so you can join in with the action and, of course, there’ll be plenty of cocktails, dancing and people singing their hearts out — they’re encouraging fancy dress too, don’t let us down.
The next viewing party on our list is at one of our old nightclub faves, The Venue, along Jackson’s Row. We’ve spent many a night dancing our cares away in Venue and we’re sure it’ll be just as good a time for the Grand Final. Opening their doors from 6, there’ll be DJ playing Eurovision tunes and two big screens for the main event. They’re even encouraging people to bring food along for the night before they switch back to their usual indie stompers and a Sam Fender Disco until 4am. Book your spot HERE.
Everyman isn’t the only cinema chain showing Eurovision this year either, as Vue Quayside and Vue in the Printworks will also be airing the Grand Final on 13 May. Those who go along won’t only be treated to the usual perks of a movie theatre, but they’ll even get to experience exclusive bonus content courtesy of the BBC. You can grab your tickets HERE.
5. BarPop
Canal Street is consistently one of the best places to watch Eurovision in Manchester and while there’ll be plenty of spots throughout Gay Village showing the contest, BarPop has to be on our list. Teaming up with The Church (formerly Churchills), both will be airing it across their big screens. Secure your spot to watch the Grand Final HERE.
The third lot of cinemas that will be showing the Eurovision 2023 Final is Odeon, with screenings available at both the Great Northern Warehouse and The Trafford Centre. It’s the first time ever that the competition has ever been shown in movie theatres, so plenty are looking to join in with the fun. If you fancy comfy seats, big screens and plenty of food and drink to see you through the night, book HERE.
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7. GRUB
Just outside the city centre in the Green Quarter, GRUB is doing a full Eurovision takeover across every room in their Cheetham Hill venue. With tickets costing just a tenner and including a welcome drink and a fresh lineup of food inspired by the contest. The best part is that the entire event will act as a fundraiser for would-be hosts, Ukraine, with charity tombolas, donations and karaoke all on the cards. You love to see it.
The Refuge is one the prettiest spaces in all of Manchester and that’s what makes it an ideal place to watch one of the biggest spectacles on the annual TV calendar. The epic screening event will be hosted by Family Gorgeous inside The Vault, where there’ll be lots of cheeky commentary, DJs, activities and surprise performances throughout. There’ll also be special cocktails, an exclusive pizza from Crazy Pedros and more, not to mention a Eurpop party until the early hours. Grab your ticket HERE.
9. Native Ducie Street Warehouse
Credit: Ducie Street Warehouse (via Instagram)
Ducie Street is also hosting a must-not-miss Eurovision viewing party for 2023 that starts at 4pm and runs all the way until the early hours. It’s absolutely free to attend with tables available for bookings in the lounge for the pre-party where DJ Niallist will MCing for the pre-screening set. As for the watch party itself, this place is sure to be packed from 8pm onwards, so we’d book a table now if we were you.
Last but not least, we have the beautiful New Century Hall. We absolutely love everything about this venue and with a whole host of food vendors to choose from, non-stop music; a fancy dress competition, chances to win a £100 bar tab, tickets to ABBA tribute legends, Bjorn Again, hotel stays and much more up for grabs, it’s going to be a belter.
There’s even a special £2 Eurovision cocktail with every penny going to charities supporting Ukraine. Now, that’s what we like to hear. Once again, this one’s totally free to enter, you just make sure you have a good time when you get there. Tickets are available now.
With Song Contest now just a few days away, that should give you a few possible places to watch Eurovision in Manchester.
It goes without saying that this is by no means an exhaustive list and there will of course be plenty of other options if you don’t manage to sort a ticket to one of these or they simply don’t tickle your fancy.
Either way, since it’s being hosted right here on home soil, Eurovision 2023 is set to be the biggest in years and we look forward to seeing the city get into the swing of the pageantry and festivity of it all.
We just hope the UK performs as well as they did last year!
Featured Image — Ducie Street Warehouse/Eurovision/BarPop (via Instagram)
What's On
Where to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleskandr Usyk 2 in Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2: ‘Undisputed’ is nearly upon us with the two contenders fighting to become unified heavyweight champion, and as the biggest fight of the year (at least since the last one), you might rightly be wondering where in Manchester is best to watch it.
With a homegrown albeit controversial talent on one side in Fury and a no-nonsense, not to mention undefeated Ukrainian on the other, there’ll be Mancs cheering for both sides but regardless of who you want to win, we can assure you town is going to be absolutely rammed with fight fans.
That being said, much like getting in the ring itself, you’re best having a game plan if you haven’t already sorted out where you’re going to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch.
Now, you’re going to want to bank on big rooms with plenty of space for those coming last minute; don’t worry, we’ve got a few ideas and they’re decently spaced out in terms of area too.
Where to watch the Fury vs Usyk 2 fight in Manchester city centre
1. Tank and Paddle – Printworks
Spread across too large floors, it still has all the appeal of the old place and more. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
First up on the list is the newest addition to the Printworks entertainment complex: Tank and Paddle, which has taken over the old Yates site. Specialising in craft beers, cocktails, big pizzas and big screens for live sport, if you used to head here for the boxing before you have even more reason to now.
2. BOX – Deansgate
Next up is arguably the current king of Manchester’s live sports bar scene. Famous for great food, live music, shuffleboard, big steins of beer and even pornstar martinis (yes, whole pitchers of the stuff), as well as its giant jumbotron screen, it’s literally impossible for you to miss a single punch thrown here.
ln at number three is what we refer to as old faithful but, to repeat its true title, is The Brotherhood of Pastimes and Pursuits. We never ever say that name in full but we what do on a regular basis is head here after work, as well as pre and post-matchday to watch the rest of the action and play some games whilst we’re at it. It will be heaving for the fight but if you can book or get there early, you’ll have a ball.
Speaking of reliable after work and weekend haunts, they don’t get more tried and tested than Roxy Ball Room as we simply like to call her, our lovely lady Roxy. Shuffleboard, bowling, darts, pool, table tennis, basketball machines, beer pong, curling – oh yeah, and you can look up to watch the boxing if you want…
Fifth and finally, Mother Mary’s is the unsung hero of our list. It’s fast becoming one of our favourite places to watch sport anywhere in town. It’s popped over on New Wakefield St where Manc institution The Font used to be and it won’t stay the city centre’s best kept secret for long, so make sure you grab a table, one the cheapest pints of Guinness around and a seat in front of the big screens whilst you can.
Honourable mention…
Shooters/Bierkeller
Last but not least, we had to throw another suggestion (or two in there) because besides Tank and Paddle in Printworks, there also happens to be the legendary Bierkeller beer hall and the American sports and gaming bar attached it, Shooters, both of which will promise a great crowd for this title fight.
If all else has truly failed, O’Neill’s and Walkabout are just around the corner too – you’ve got to get in somewhere and you really don’t want to miss this clash.
If you were still wondering where to watch to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch in central Manchester this Saturday, that handful of suggestions should just about do you in a pinch, just keep in mind that the earlier the better when it comes to events like this.
The two boxers are expect to begin their ring walks at around 10:25pm UK time, so you should have plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the carnage.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube) BOX (via Instagram)
What's On
Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
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Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Danny Jones -
6th May 2023 
