National Science And Media Museum Announces Summer Events Programme Ahead Of Opening Eurovision Song Contest Exhibition This May

The National Science and Media Museum has announced an exciting programme of summer events ahead of the opening of Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest on Friday 15th May. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, the exhibition explores the technological history and innovation at the heart of the world’s largest live music event.

Alongside the exhibition, the museum will host a vibrant programme of events, looking to the Eurovision Song Contest and beyond to bring to life broader themes of performance, stagecraft and careers in broadcasting.

Kicking off the programme is the Eurovision Song Contest Big Family Party on Saturday 16th May, a free, museum-wide celebration inspired by the Setting the Stage exhibition. Taking place on the day of the Contest’s grand finale, visitors are encouraged to come dressed for the party in their most sparkly outfit and can enjoy DJ’s, crafts, facepainting, hands on activities and even a silent disco, with a party atmosphere across the museum for existing Eurovision Song Contest fans as well as those new to the competition.

During the day, drag artist Dame Shirley Bazzey will also present family-friendly Eurovision Song Contest themed fun and games ahead of hosting the museum’s evening watch party event in Pictureville Cinema. The watch party includes a quiz, games and prizes ahead of the live broadcast, giving a unique chance to experience the final on the big screen with fellow Eurovision Song Contest fans. Tickets to the pre-party cost £15 and are available via Pictureville’s website.

Fans will also be able to go behind the scenes of the Setting the Stage exhibition with free, curator-led tours, taking place on Saturday 16th May, 20th June and 18th July. These sessions will offer deeper insight into the technical innovations that have come to define the competition and the people behind them, offering the opportunity to delve deeper into the Contest’s seven-decade legacy.

As part of the wider Setting the Stage programme, the museum will also host a series of live discussion events in Pictureville Cinema, exploring the Eurovision Song Contest’s wider cultural impact and associated themes across live events, music and performance. The events will bring together key speakers from across the industry to offer a deeper look at topics surrounding the exhibition. Further details, including speakers, dates and ticket information, will be announced in due course.

For families, the events programme continues with Setting the Stage: Pop-up Parties, launching on Saturday 23rd May and continuing daily across May half-term. The free programme brings the exhibition to life across the museum, including a new family game show, regular silent discos, live music and hands-on activities. Special editions of the Pop-up Parties will also take place on Saturday 20th June and 18th July, with a focus on global music through Windrush and South Asian themed programming.

The museum’s popular Wondertots sessions will return with a Setting the Stage twist, with the introduction of regular “baby-rave” style sessions for under 5s and their grown-ups, launching Monday 1st June. The sessions will provide a space for early years families to explore sound, rhythm and light. Tickets for Wondertots are available for £2 per child (free for accompanying parents).

Keep an eye on the website for the latest information.