Battersea Park stages London’s official Eurovision Big Screen fan zone

Thousands of music lovers will be partying in Battersea Park tomorrow night (Saturday) at London’s official Eurovision Big Screen fan zone.

Around 3,000 people are expected to dress up in their finest glad-rags, dance and singalong in Battersea Park at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest finale – which is being broadcast to millions around the world.

They will be welcomed to the park and its Eurovision party by Wandsworth Council’s deputy leader Kemi Akinola who will launch tomorrow night’s screening.

The UK stepped in to host this year’s event following last year’s famous victory by Ukraine.

And to show Wandsworth’s support for Ukrainians living in the borough and help them support their nation’s entry in the competition, the council and its leisure and culture contractor Enable are offering Ukrainian residents of Wandsworth 100 free tickets to attend this special party in the park.

Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: “Wandsworth is delighted to be hosting London’s official fan zone screening of the Eurovision final in Battersea Park.

“We are providing a fantastic big screen experience for thousands of Londoners and offering free tickets to 100 local Ukrainian refugees so they can attend too. We are proud to show our solidarity and support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Wandsworth’s involvement highlights how proud we are to have offered sanctuary to London’s second highest number of refugee families from Ukraine.

“Providing a safe haven and a warm welcome to all those forced to flee their homeland is a key commitment for Wandsworth as a Borough of Sanctuary.”

Ukrainian families in Wandsworth are being contacted to make them aware of this Eurovision offer, and how they can obtain the free tickets. These are being offered on a ‘first-come first-served’ basis with each family able to request a maximum of four tickets.

The event in Battersea Park is just one way London is demonstrating its solidarity with Ukraine this weekend. Locations across the capital will be lit in yellow and blue, including Nelson’s Column and City Hall. The London Eye will feature both the UK and Ukraine’s national colours, including a special display if either country receives 12 points.

Saturday's event in Battersea Park, which is sponsored by the BBC, Mayor of London and the GLA, is already sold out with the party starting at 5pm and the live screening at 8pm. There will be bars and food traders on hand to ensure everyone has enough to eat and drink.

For further information please email events@enablelc.org