Eurovision party alternatives: The best song contest-themed virtual quizzes and events this weekend

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Harry Fletcher18 May 2020

Over the years Eurovision has treated us to bearded women singing pop bangers, sax icons, Polish milk maids, thousands of epic key changes and more cheese than a lifetime’s worth of deep pan pizzas.

Sadly, it’s not taking place this year, but there are plenty of things to get involved with instead this weekend; we've even had a go at imagining how the final might have played out, complete with our own playlist.

The BBC has a night of programming planned for Saturday, the day on which the competition would have taken place, and there are quizzes, virtual drag events and comedy events to enjoy too.

So, Eurovision with Eurovision – which makes just about as much sense as the show itself does.

Eurovision: Come Together on BBC One

BBC/So TV/Christopher Baines/Matt Burlem

BBC One is giving us all a taste of what might have been on Saturday night, with the channel going all out to celebrate Eurovision. First up, Graham Norton hosts Come Together from 6.25pm – a Eurovision special which invites members of the public to vote for their favourite ever song from the event.

Then, Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light will air immediately afterwards at 7pm, with two hours of live-streamed performances to, erm, enjoy. The show will showcase the 41 songs that would have taken part in the competition this year, including the UK's James Newman with his song My Last Breath (which even we gave nil points).

Later on, Rylan Clark-Neal is also narrating a guide to all things Eurovision with the compilation show The A-Z Of Eurovision, putting together some of the best memories for the history of the competition at 10pm on BBC Two. Perfect viewing if you're planning your own party from home.

From 6.25pm, May 16, head here

Showstoppers alternative Eurovision night

Christopher Biggins, Arlene Phillips, London Hughes and Claire Sweeney are the guests judges for this highly anticipated event from Showstoppers, while comedian Tom Allen provides the commentary. The Olivier Award-winning musical comedy group is planning to pull out all the stops for this, channelling all the camp and cheese of the event itself with a series of performances. Expect, parodies, ridiculous Eurovision-style production values and interactive voting. This one should be a whole lot of fun.

8pm, May 15, head here

Alternative Eurovision comedy night with NextUp

NextUp, the digital comedy club streaming unseen sets from the best of comedy’s rising stars, have announced they are partnering with Pinata! to produce their own alternative Eurovision song contest. Viewers can vote for their favourites on the night, with Helen Duff, Helen Bauer, Siblings Josh Glanc, Dan Wye and Huge Davies all hoping to be crowned champion.

8pm, May 15, head here

Eurovision quiz with RuPaul’s Drag Race star Charlie Hides

How well do you know Eurovision? Put your knowledge to the test by tuning in for this event with RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Charlie Hides, taking place at 7.30pm on Thursday. It's all in support of the Terrance Higgins Trust – the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity – with the £5 ticket helping them do fantastic work during lockdown. Once you’ve been sent a link, you’ll be able to go head to head with fans from all around the world. There are bonus points on offer for the best fancy dress too, so don't forget your sequins and feather boas.

7.30pm on May 14, head here

Eurovision drag contest with Lucie Jones

Getty Images

A selection of UK drag artists are performing some of the best songs from Eurovision history on Friday from 8pm. Holly Stars, Jade Justine, Madame Yoko are all taking part, with a selection of former Eurovision stars on hand to judge performances. There’s a bonus too – tune in to see singer, West End performer and one of the UK’s most impressive Eurovision stars of recent years, Lucie Jones, perform on the night.

8pm on May 15, head here

Isolation Song Contest

Some of the biggest names in UK comedy got together recently for the Isolation Song Contest, and while the event has already taken place, the brilliant entries are all ready to watch online. Mel Giedroyc, Divina de Campo, Nick Helm, Tim Vine, Måns Zelmerlöw, Josie Long and Neil Hannon are all among the celebs who got involved to support The Trussell Trust, Crisis and Refuge – donations are still very much welcome, too.

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