Eurovision Song Contest 2024: The best parties, quizzes and events taking place across Manchester this week

Just like clockwork, it's that time of year again when Eurovision fever truly sweeps all over the nation in anticipation for what is set to be a memorable evening of music, awkward language barriers, and spectacular outfits.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is already underway, with the first semi-final taking place last night. But the grand final on Saturday evening (May 11) is just around the corner and will see 26 acts compete in the ultimate music contest to try and win fame and glory, as well as a pretty nifty trophy.

Taking place in Malmö in Sweden, following Loreen's triumphant win with Tattoo in Liverpool last year, the event is set to feature an assortment of performers as well as a Swedish twist to proceedings. The country has won the contest five times, with their first win coming in 1974 thanks to ABBA's megahit Waterloo.

READ MORE: Two-time Eurovision winner announces big UK and European tour - with show in Manchester

Representing the United Kingdom this year will be Years & Years frontman and It's A Sin star Olly Alexander with his song Dizzy, which, if the teasers are anything to go by, is set to be a very dramatic and engaging performance. Like Germany, France, Italy, Spain and host nation Sweden, the UK automatically made it through to the final - with the rest of the grand final's performers having had to successfully get through their semi-final first.

As always, Eurovision fans celebrate the contest in a number of ways whether that it through house gatherings (with individual point systems for each attendee), or all-out parties and events. Thankfully, Manchester is one of the best places to be when it comes to celebrating Eurovision.

This year, there are plenty of viewing parties, silent disco