The comprehensive guide to Eurovision 2022 in Newcastle: Screenings, parties and more

The sun is out in Newcastle, the drinks are being poured and, for once, there's a feeling that the UK may get more than 'nil points' at Eurovision 2022.

The annual night of European singing chaos is upon us and many across Tyneside are gearing up to hit the city or host their own Eurovision party.

Whether you're planning on a big night out or just want to get your head around what madness to expect this year, NewcastleWorld is on hand with your comprehensive guide to Eurovision 2022 in the city.

When is Eurovision 2022?

Eurovision 2022 will take place from Turin this Saturday, May 14.

Television coverage of the event starts at 8 pm on Saturday and is on BBC 1.

The event is always a long and drawn-out affair that culminates at around midnight.

Who is competing for the UK - and will we get more than 'nil points'?

The UK's representative this year is viral TikTok star Sam Ryder.

The long-maned singer will perform his track 'Spaceman' for the whole of the continent to hear.

Normally, the UK is the flop of the evening with countries reluctant to award any points - last year the UK didn't get a single vote.

However, in a strange turn of events, Ryder is the bookie's second favourite to win Eurovision 2022. Could it really happen?

Who is favourite to win Eurovision this year?

Ukraine is currently odds-on favourite to win Eurovision 2022 with the bookmakers.

Folk-rap band Kalush Orchestra will represent the country and are, understandably, expected to get a lot of love from audiences.

Where can I watch the event in Newcastle city centre?

This year's Eurovision screenings in Newcastle are dominated by one main event at Central Park.

The outdoor entertainment space at Times Square shows all of the summer's big events and Eurovision is at the top of that list after they hosted a wild party last year.

Central Park will host an open-air watch-a-long party on Saturday evening starting at 7 pm, after the FA Cup Final finishes.

Tickets are selling fast as the weekend approaches, but at the time of writing, there are still general admission entries available for £8 plus a £1 booking fee.

There are also tables of six and tables of eight still available. Tickets available here.

Just outside of the centre, there's a screening happening at Ouseburn Garden.

It's a similar, albeit smaller set-up to that at Central Park but offers free entry.

If you fancy something inside, Bobby's Newcastle is hosting an event with drag queen Wendy Towers and Drag Idol winners Bonnie & Bendover - no advance tickets are needed for that event.

Trawling through social media, those seem to be the only three events announced ahead of time in Newcastle.

However, it's worth keeping an eye out online for any last-minute screenings that may crop up, especially in and around the Pink Triangle

Are there any after parties?

Of course!

Every Saturday night is a big night in Newcastle, but this weekend many bars and clubs will tailor their events to Eurovision.

Popworld has already promised to play the biggest hits from Europe all weekend, and plenty of venues around the Centre for Life will be doing so too.

If you fancy something different, The Old George is hosting a Eurovision Bottomless Brunch before the big event.