TransPennine Express searching for Manchester musicians to perform at ‘Eurovision Song Zones’

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is less than two weeks away, and one train operator is getting into the spirit by launching its own search for budding Manchester musicians to show off their talents.

TransPennine Express (TPE) has created a special ‘Eurovision Song Zone' at Manchester Airport Train Station in the build up to the world’s biggest singing competition.

The singing zone has been set up for local artists and musicians to show off their talents and entertain passengers waiting on the platform in the run up to the song contest, which is being held in the UK for the first time in 25 years.

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Kathryn O’Brien, Operations and Customer Experience Director at TPE, said: "As with the rest of the country, we couldn’t be more excited for the Eurovision Song Contest and we’re delighted it’s taking place in the north.

“Our Eurovision Song Zone is in place at Manchester Airport Train Station so that budding musicians can entertain passengers in the build up to the famous competition. Whether you’re the next Sandie Shaw or Sam Ryder we would love for musicians of all abilities to show off their talents in our designated performance areas.”

Rising star Jimmy Page was the first musician to perform at the Song Zone. The singer-songwriter, who is set to release his new single, PAINT, on May 19, performed his singles ‘Days Are Long’ and ‘Plop Music’ in front of waiting passengers.

Commenting on the opportunity to perform his music, Jimmy said: “The Eurovision Song Contest has always been a great spectacle of music and so the chance to be involved in the excitement and build up to the event in a small way is a chance I couldn’t miss.

“Performin